A BATTERY production facility, co-invested by China’s leading new energy vehicle maker BYD Co. and the country’s major automaker First Automotive Works (FAW), started operation Friday in Changchun, capital of northeastern China’s Jilin Province.

The total planned production capacity of the project is 45 GWh, with the first stage of 15 GWh put into operation Friday.

Applying advanced blade battery technology, the project balances the three key issues of battery safety, high-mileage and battery life, and its first products will be used on new electric vehicle models produced by Hongqi, the iconic sedan brand under FAW.

Covering an area of 370,000 square meters, the project is located in the Changchun Automobile Economic and Technological Development Zone.

As the first NEV battery base in northeastern China, the facility will promote the transformation and upgrade of the automobile industry and high-quality development of the traditional industrial base.

Qiu Xiandong, chairman of FAW, said the project will rely on the advantages of FAW and BYD resources, promote efficient operation and contribute to low-carbon development of the automobile industry and the comprehensive revitalization of Jilin.

Domestic media said that a BYD unit takes 51% of the project, with FAW having the remainder.

Construction of the project started in February in 2022, with the total investment amounting to 13.50 billion yuan (US$1.88 billion).     (SD-Xinhua)