Univercell Opens New Battery Cell Factory in Kiel – Capacity of Up to 40 Million Cells Annually
Kiel – German battery manufacturer Univercell has opened a new production facility for lithium-ion battery cells in Kiel-Moorsee. The factory is designed for an annual capacity of up to 40 million cells and can in future be expanded to more than 150 million cells.
New Battery Factory in Kiel: Investments of Up to EUR 300 Million Planned
At the plant, which opened on November 9, 2026, Univercell produces cylindrical 21700-format lithium-ion cells. Initial production is designed for up to 40 million cells annually and can be expanded to more than 150 million cells in further stages.
The company links the expansion to investment plans of up to EUR 300 million over the coming years. More than 200 new jobs are also to be created in production, research and development, engineering, quality management and administration.
Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister-President Daniel Günther sees the new factory as a contribution to strengthening the European battery industry. “If Europe wants to become more independent, we need our own battery cell manufacturing – and this is an important step towards greater independence,” said Daniel Günther, Minister-President of Schleswig-Holstein, at the opening.
The new facility complements the company’s existing site in Flintbek, Schleswig-Holstein, and expands its manufacturing capacity. Univercell has not given a specific timeline for ramping up to maximum annual capacity.
Univercell Relies on Customer-Specific Battery Cells and In-House Research
Univercell was founded in 2019 by Stefan Permien and Marius Strack. At its existing Flintbek site, the company has developed expertise in electrode manufacturing, pouch cells and battery cell development. With the new plant in Kiel, Univercell adds series production of cylindrical cells to its manufacturing activities.
The company focuses on battery cells tailored to the requirements of different applications. These include the EV sector, power tools, medical technology, and aerospace.
In March 2026, Univercell completed a EUR 30 million financing round. Investors include DeepTech & Climate Fonds (DTCF), which led the round, and the EIC Fund of the European Union.
In parallel with the expansion of production, Univercell is working with the Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel on the research project PLUS-LIBER to further develop cylindrical 21700 battery cells. The project, presented in October 2026, aims to increase the cells’ energy density and improve their thermal behaviour. Among other things, materials and cell geometries are to be optimised.
European Battery Industry: Overcapacity and Competition from China Complicate Production Ramp-Up
The expansion of battery cell production in Europe is taking place under difficult market conditions. According to the European Commission, global production capacity of more than 4,000 GWh faced demand of less than 2,000 GWh in 2025. China accounted for around 83 percent of global lithium-ion battery production capacity in 2024. Global overcapacity is intensifying price competition and making it harder for new European battery factories to ramp up economically.
In 2026, the European Commission set up the Battery Booster Facility, a funding facility of up to EUR 1.5 billion, to support the production ramp-up of large battery cell factories in Europe. The programme provides interest-free loans for projects with an annual capacity of at least 10 GWh that produce battery cells for electric vehicles. The application deadline ended on September 30, 2026.
Univercell’s new factory expands industrial battery cell manufacturing in Germany. While the EU funding facility targets large production sites, Univercell concentrates on manufacturing customer-specific battery cells for a range of applications. This also creates additional European production capacity outside large-volume battery cell manufacturing.
Source: IWR Online, 11 Nov 2026
