Automotive Cells Company (ACC), a joint venture between Stellantis, TotalEnergies, and Mercedes-Benz, is set to secure a €1 billion loan to fund the construction of a second production block at its gigafactory in northern France.

The facility in Billy-Berclau-Douvrin currently operates one production block with a 15 GWh capacity. The expansion will add a second block with a 13 GWh capacity, reinforcing Europe's battery production infrastructure despite sluggish growth in the electric vehicle (EV) market.

This ambitious expansion follows the bankruptcy of European competitor Northvolt, raising questions about the future of large-scale battery projects in the region. Nevertheless, the loan, backed by ACC's shareholders, demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing the EV transition in Europe.

Photo Credit: Stellantis.com