With the global shift toward electromobility supported by various national environmental initiatives, the major automotive comapnies are investing significantly more in the development, research, and production of chips, batteries for electric vehicles, and related products. The Czech Republic has an opportunity to attract several large battery factories.

The Czech Prime Minister, Petr Fiala, recently met with the CEO of Volkswagen, a major German automobile manufacturer, Oliver Blume to further discuss the establishment of an electric car battery factory in Line near Pilsen. This project, commontly referred as „gigafactory“, would bring strategic know-how to the country, especially considering the significance of Czech automotive industry, and would create up to 4 000 jobs in the region. For now, Volkswagen is deferring its decision to construct this plant due to the sluggish adoption of the electric car market.

According to the head of CzechInvest, Petr Ocko, there are ongoing negotiations with several other investors, not only Volkswagen, considering battery production in other parts of the country. However, specific details cannot be disclosed at this time. One of the candidates could be South Korea’s LG. Petr Ocko sees the advantages of the Czech Republic in quality technical education and the government's willingness to help with the projects.

 

Prepared by Veronika Vyoralova - CzechTrade Israel team

Source: E15, CTK