The largest Russian plant for producing lithium‑ion batteries with a design capacity of 4 gigawatt hours per year is being built by Renera, a division within Rosatom.
Four gigawatt hours — is that a lot or a little? When focusing on medium‑capacity batteries, around 80 kWh each, similar packages sit in modern EVs like the Volkswagen ID series. The planned volume from this project could power roughly 50,000 electric vehicles in terms of cells and complete batteries.
for what?
Russia views the development and production of energy storage systems as a key strategic area. It aims to lay a solid foundation for the sustainable growth of electric transport in the country.
Traction batteries are still produced domestically, and there are efforts to manufacture battery cells locally as well. However, those locally produced cells are currently more expensive than their Chinese counterparts.
Anode and cathode
A plant in the Kaliningrad region, located near the town of Neman on the border with Lithuania, is being built exclusively for lithium‑ion battery production. A full production cycle is planned here, from mixing cathode and anode materials to the final quality checks of finished products.
Automation is expected to be high. The electrode manufacturing, including mixing, coating, pressing, and cutting, will be performed on fully automated equipment. The facility will meet environmental standards, featuring air filtration, on‑site recycling, and waste processing directions.
Cell
The rechargeable lithium‑ion cell is a plate just 12 mm thick, with a width of 10 cm and a length of 30 cm. The housing contains an energy storage unit based on lithium‑nickel‑manganese‑cobalt chemistry, delivering high specific energy. Each cell plate carries a capacity of 60 amp hours, enabling the assembly of traction batteries in various sizes and capacities from these plates.
For whom
Representives from Avtotor attended the ceremony, outlining their electric vehicle production program, along with the Motorinvest plant in Lipetsk, which produces Evolute electric vehicles. Both companies have announced plans to purchase batteries from Kaliningrad.
The Moskvich plant is also part of the discussion, with plans to produce tens of thousands of cars annually, including a significant proportion of electric models. The 2024 outlook suggested a large demand for traction batteries, potentially requiring imports or domestic supply from Russian producers. If demand grows, a second and third phase could raise total capacity to 14 gigawatt hours, potentially opening opportunities for export.
Traction batteries from Kaliningrad are envisioned for a wide range of applications, from warehouse equipment and municipal vehicles to electric scooters, water transport, and even unmanned aerial vehicles, which hold strategic importance in many sectors including defense.
atom car
Rosatom is set to supply batteries for Atom electric vehicles being developed by Kama JSC. Atoms are planned for production in the facilities of the former Ford‑Sollers plant in Yelabuga, with a family of two‑door cars, five‑door crossovers, and variants for taxis and delivery services. The first functional prototypes were expected to appear in 2023, with ongoing development underway.
What is the result?
Rosatom is building a complete supply chain for electric transport in Russia, spanning from lithium mining to vehicle production. The workflow includes:
- extraction and processing of lithium and related materials
- manufacture of components such as cathode and anode materials and electrolytes
- production of energy storage devices and final battery assemblies for various traction needs
- participation in electric vehicle manufacturing and the recycling of used batteries
The prospects for Russia’s automotive sector remain a focus of discussion and analysis for industry observers and policymakers alike.
Detailed perspectives on these developments can be explored in regional industry reports and public briefings, while general discussions about the evolution of electric mobility continue across major platforms.