Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Production and Logistics, emphasised, “In November 2017, Volkswagen Group decided to task ŠKODA AUTO with the production of electric components for plug-in hybrid cars – a massive expression of trust. In the meantime, we have taken the required measures and rigorously executed the task. The high-voltage batteries, made in Mladá Boleslav, are proof of our outstanding technical expertise and the result of outstanding teamwork from all Škodians involved.”
The high-voltage batteries from Mladá Boleslav provide the electric energy for Volkswagen Group plug-in hybrids that are based on the MQB platform. The battery packs will be used in the ŠKODA SUPERB iV, for example. Production of this model is starting in September 2019 at the Kvasiny plant.
ŠKODA AUTO has invested 25.3 million euros in the production lines for high-voltage batteries. Two years ago, the brand started preparing the Mladá Boleslav plant for the manufacturing of electric components. Over the next few years, ŠKODA AUTO will increase its initial production capacity of 150,000 units per year.
Christian Bleiel, Head of Component Production at ŠKODA AUTO, said, “For us, this production of battery systems, which is very technologically challenging, is an important step in our switch to electromobility. We will further expand the production of electric components. In developing the expertise required for this, we are making use of the exchange of information between experts within our overarching Volkswagen Group Components network. This bundles together knowledge of everything from battery cells to recycling.”
Around 200 staff work, either directly or indirectly, in electric component production. Battery systems are not only assembled on the production line, they are also tested and charged there before being installed in the vehicles.
ŠKODA AUTO sources battery cells and modules, the basic components of traction batteries, from suppliers.
ŠKODA AUTO also utilises the global Volkswagen Group network for its manufacturing technology. Working alongside company employees, 13 KUKA robots with load capacities ranging from 210 to 500 kg are used on the production line. Most of these machines transport particularly heavy or bulky components. They deliver the battery modules to the assembly line, for example, and load the finished batteries onto transport pallets. Other robots quickly mount the battery modules or cover, which has 39 screws alone, using their screw jack and automatic screw gripper.
When preparing for high-voltage battery production, ŠKODA AUTO not only worked on new production technologies but also on other electricity-related topics, including work safety, fire prevention, quality assurance and logistics. Working at the high-voltage assembly line requires specific safety measures and many electronic parts are very sensitive to electrostatic discharge. ŠKODA AUTO also made alterations to its distribution warehouse so that it can now accommodate a large number of heavy batteries. Furthermore, electricity-specific fire prevention measures and precautions for handling damaged batteries have been implemented.
