Inpow Battery Technology officially began production at its new battery plant in Thailand on 29 October. The facility is located east of Bangkok, specifically in Si Racha, Chonburi Province. Inpow is responsible for battery production within the GAC Group. The start of production marks another step in the Chinese conglomerate’s expansion of local supply chains in Southeast Asia.
The plant’s opening coincides with another milestone for Inpow: as the company recently announced, its cumulative global production has now reached 300,000 battery packs. These batteries are already used in a range of electric models from the GAC Aion brand, including the i60, N60 and UT.
With the new site in Thailand, GAC can localise battery production closer to its vehicle manufacturing operations. The new battery plant is likely to play a significant role in the further development of the Southeast Asian market. Local production can shorten transport routes and reduce dependence on supplies from China.
GAC Aion already produces locally
This step builds on GAC’s existing expansion in Thailand. As early as July 2024, GAC Aion opened its own vehicle plant in the Southeast Asian country. The location is part of the group’s strategy to use Thailand as a production and distribution base for further markets in the region.
With the additional battery plant, an important part of the value chain is now also being localised. The combination of vehicle and battery production could help GAC strengthen its competitive position against other Chinese manufacturers that are also increasingly investing in Southeast Asia.
Thailand is considered one of the most important automotive hubs in Southeast Asia and has been working for several years to align its industry more closely with electric vehicles. The government is promoting the establishment of corresponding production capacities and aims to position the country as a regional hub for electromobility.
