Training in China for Zaragoza plant workers

The first employees of the future Stellantis-CATL battery plant in Zaragoza are currently undergoing training in China, on CATL production lines. This training is aimed at acquiring specialized skills that are not yet available in Europe.

Europe’s battery production challenge

Europe aims to produce its own batteries for electric vehicles but lacks the necessary expertise. Stellantis has chosen to partner with Chinese company CATL, a global leader in battery technology, for its Spanish plant.

Joint venture and training program

The joint venture between Stellantis and CATL, named Contemporary Star Energy (CSE), announced that its first group of employees is undergoing practical training in CATL’s plants in Xiamen, China. These employees are locally recruited in Spain and are working directly on cell and module production lines alongside CATL teams.

Skills required for LFP battery production

The production of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cells requires specialized skills, ranging from electrode production to cell assembly. The training includes both technical work and cultural activities to build relationships between the teams.

Knowledge transfer and recruitment

The training program is not a formality. These skills are not currently available in Spain or at Stellantis in Europe. After returning from China, the trained employees will become trainers for future CSE recruits, all locally hired. Recruitment began in July 2025 with the creation of the joint venture.

Construction and workforce details

The construction of the plant is progressing, and the recruitment plan is in its second phase. At full production, the plant is expected to employ nearly 4000 people. Currently, most of the construction work is being done by Chinese workers.

Scale and investment of the project

The battery plant is being built in Figueruelas, near Zaragoza, next to Stellantis’s car plant. It represents an investment of 4.1 billion euros and aims for a production capacity of up to 50 GWh per year. The site is expected to produce a million batteries per year by spring 2029.

Public funding and production delays

Approximately 10% of the investment comes from public funds. However, the production schedule has been delayed. Originally planned for the end of 2026, production will now begin in the first months of 2027. Local cell production is expected to start in June 2028.

Chinese influence extends to car manufacturing

Chinese influence in Zaragoza extends beyond batteries. On October 16, Stellantis launched the production of the Leapmotor B10 in its Zaragoza plant. The model is assembled on the same lines as several European models, avoiding import duties on electric vehicles.

Zaragoza as a European showcase

Zaragoza is becoming the European showcase for the alliance between Stellantis and the Chinese industry. The next step is the assembly of the first battery modules at the beginning of 2027, marking another phase in the project’s development.