Inpow Battery Technology officially started production at its new battery plant in Thailand on October 29. 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 expansion of the Chinese conglomerate’s local supply chains in Southeast Asia.
The opening of the plant coincides with another milestone for Inpow: as the company recently announced, its cumulative global production has reached 300,000 battery packs. These batteries are already used in a range of GAC Aion brand electric models, including the i60, N60 and UT.
With the new headquarters in Thailand, GAC can locate battery production closer to its vehicle manufacturing operations. The new battery plant is likely to play an important role in the future development of the Southeast Asian market. Local production can shorten transportation routes and reduce dependence on supplies from China.
GAC Aion already produces locally
This step builds on GAC’s existing expansion in Thailand. Already in 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 other markets in the region.
With the additional battery installation, an important part of the value chain is now also localized. Combining 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 more closely align its industry with electric vehicles. The government is promoting the establishment of corresponding production capacities and aims to position the country as a regional electromobility center.
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