LION Smart Production Begins Mass Shipments of NMC+ Battery Cells from China to Germany

LION Smart Production GmbH has announced the first shipment of mass-produced NMC+ battery cells from the manufacturing facility of SVOLT in China. The battery cells departed from the Suining production plant on June 2 and are currently en route to Germany, where delivery is expected within less than one month. The milestone marks the transition of the company's NMC+ battery technology from prototype validation into commercial-scale production, supporting growing demand for high-performance battery solutions.

Before entering mass production, prototype versions of the NMC+ battery underwent extensive testing and evaluation by existing customers over recent months. According to the company, the batteries successfully met customer requirements and received approval for broader deployment. This validation phase was an important step in confirming the performance and reliability of the technology prior to large-scale manufacturing and market introduction.

To support future production growth, manufacturing lines are currently being upgraded with assistance from thyssenkrupp. The modernization work is expected to be completed by June 2026 and is intended to enhance manufacturing efficiency while enabling increased production volumes. The upgrades are part of the company's broader strategy to strengthen its battery production capabilities and meet anticipated market demand.

Production Capacity and Order Momentum

The company reported strong commercial interest in its NMC+ battery packs, with customer orders already accounting for nearly all planned production capacity for 2026. Demand is also extending beyond the next production cycle, as order intake for 2027 continues to increase at a rapid pace. The growing order pipeline reflects rising interest in advanced battery technologies capable of supporting high-performance applications.

Key Developments at a Glance

The latest announcement highlights several important milestones related to the NMC+ battery program and its production expansion plans.

• First mass-produced NMC+ battery cells shipped from Suining to Germany
• Customer testing and approval completed before volume production
• Production line upgrades underway with thyssenkrupp support
• Manufacturing enhancements expected to conclude by June 2026
• 2026 production capacity nearly fully reserved by customer orders
• Order growth for 2027 continues to accelerate

NMC+ Battery Program Milestones

The commencement of mass shipments and the strong order backlog indicate increasing market confidence in the NMC+ battery platform. As production capabilities expand and customer demand continues to rise, the company is positioning itself to support future battery supply requirements across its target markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the first NMC+ battery cell shipment by LION Smart Production?
The first shipment represents the transition of the NMC+ battery from customer-tested prototypes to commercial-scale production. The battery cells were manufactured at SVOLT’s facility in China and are being transported to Germany for delivery. This milestone confirms that customer validation has been completed and that the technology is now entering broader market deployment. It also demonstrates the company's readiness to scale production in response to growing demand for advanced battery solutions.

How strong is customer demand for the NMC+ battery packs?
Customer demand for the NMC+ battery packs is currently very strong, with orders nearly filling the company's planned production capacity for 2026. In addition, bookings and inquiries for 2027 are increasing rapidly. This growing order pipeline suggests rising market acceptance of the battery technology and provides visibility into future production requirements. The company is also upgrading manufacturing lines to support higher volumes and meet anticipated customer needs in the coming years.