VDL to assemble battery modules for BMW Group

Image of the demolition line of VDL in Born where battery packs can be assembled semi-automatically. The transportation to and from the production line is carried out with automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

VDL Groep is to assemble battery systems on a serial basis at the Mobility Innovation Centre (MIC) in Born. BMW Group has issued an initial, long-term order. VDL will, at least until 2035, assemble approximately 125,000 battery modules for the German automaker's aftersales network. This marks a follow-up to the 10 years of car production at VDL Nedcar in collaboration with BMW Group. VDL is in talks with other potential clients for the serial assembly of battery systems (battery modules and/or battery packs).

Within approximately a year, the first battery modules are to be delivered to BMW. Preparations in Born have now been initiated. This order provides employment for several dozen staff members. Two battery lines will be installed in a new production hall in Born, which covers about 30,000 square meters. This will take up roughly 10 percent of the available production capacity.

'Flying start'

“This first order for the assembly of battery modules from our partner BMW Group marks a flying start to our activities around the series production of battery systems, one of the pillars of our Mobility Innovation Centre in Born,” says President-Director Willem van der Leegte of VDL Groep. “By providing new and sustainable mobility solutions, both for our partners and for our own activities, we aim for our Mobility Innovation Centre in Born to be a flexible and expert innovation and industrialisation partner.”

Green Transport & Delta – Electrification

VDL has been the lead partner since 2021 for the Green Transport & Delta – Electrification project. No fewer than 28 industry partners and companies participate, aiming to develop a battery ecosystem in the Netherlands that can accelerate the transition to climate-neutral (heavy duty) mobility. This project aims to further develop the partners' battery systems towards semi-automatically produced battery systems. Recently, a battery demo line, built at VDL in Born, has been developed and tested. The demo line has demonstrated our knowledge and expertise in the field of industrialization and automation. VDL Groep is co-founder and partner of the knowledge cluster for batteries, Battery Competence Cluster NL (BCC-NL). This cluster supports the Green Transport & Delta – Electrification project with knowledge and expertise.

The two new production lines to be used in Born for the assembly of battery modules for BMW Group, and potentially other clients, are different from the demolition line which is part of the Green Transport & Delta - Electrification project.