Accumotive Kamenz: New battery generation for Mercedes-Benz

Since the start of production in 2012, the company has established itself as a competence center in the global Mercedes-Benz production network. More than two million batteries have rolled off the production line since then.

Since this year, ACCUMOTIVE in Kamenz has been supplying the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt with the new generation of batteries, where the new electric CLA will initially roll off the production line. From 2026, ACCUMOTIVE will also be expanding its production portfolio to include the reprocessing of used batteries, thereby underpinning the company's sustainable business strategy in the area of the circular economy.

"As a competence center within our global battery production network, Kamenz plays a decisive role in our sustainable business strategy. The batteries produced here have been powering Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles since 2012. With the successful ramp-up of the latest, highly efficient battery generation, the plant is continuing its success story." - Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, responsible for Production, Quality and Supply Chain Management

• High-tech production in Kamenz for high-quality batteries for the new CLA

The new battery generation impresses with its highly efficient 800-volt electric architecture and innovative battery chemistry, which enables significantly shorter charging times. The new CLA 250+ with EQ technology can be recharged in just ten minutes for a range of up to 325 kilometers. Overall, the CLA 250+ achieves a maximum range of up to 792 kilometers.

Local battery production is a key success factor for the sustainable business strategy of Mercedes-Benz. The highly complex batteries are manufactured on a production line around 350 meters long. Using around 50 different manual and highly automated assembly processes, a large number of components, cell modules, cooling plates and sensors are precisely implemented in the housing and then connected to various electronic components of the battery using integrative high-voltage cabling. Finally, electrical and mechanical validation is carried out using various test benches.

The plant is fully integrated into MO360, the digital production ecosystem of Mercedes-Benz, and networked with the production network thanks to the MO360 Data Platform. Among other things, this ensures the complete traceability of every battery delivered, including all production data. In addition, special assembly devices are used to provide ergonomic support and make it easier for employees to handle heavy components.

"For over a decade, the Kamenz site has stood for outstanding expertise and technological innovation in battery assembly. The fact that Accumotive is the first site to manufacture the new battery generation for the entry-level segment of Mercedes-Benz is a strong sign of confidence in the expertise of our team, which is playing a key role in shaping the electric future at Mercedes-Benz." - Sascha Kleinert, CEO Accumotive GmbH & Co KG

• Closing the battery cycle: Battery reconditioning complements Kamenz production portfolio

From 2026, ACCUMOTIVE will be expanding its production portfolio and will be responsible for reconditioning used batteries in addition to assembling the new battery generation. The so-called "Battery ReUse Center Europe" will be responsible for factory repair solutions for earlier Mercedes-Benz battery generations that are reused in the company's aftersales network. The batteries will be thoroughly tested for function and quality based on the specifications for series production. An existing building on the factory premises is to be converted and extended for this purpose. Work on this has already begun. Commissioning of the facilities is planned for early 2026.

In addition to the reuse of batteries as spare parts, the Mercedes-Benz approach also provides for their further use. With its subsidiary Mercedes-Benz Energy, based in Großröhrsdorf, Saxony, Mercedes-Benz has established a successful business model with large-scale stationary storage applications. Batteries that can no longer be used in the vehicle can continue to be used in a second-life storage system. At the end of a battery's life, material recycling is the key to closing the material cycle.

• Pioneer of more sustainable production

The Kamenz site has a total production and logistics area of around 125,000 m². The assembly hall in which the batteries for the new CLA are assembled, which went into operation in 2018, follows a sustainable concept: a combined heat and power plant and a photovoltaic system with an output of two megawatts supply the production facilities with energy in conjunction with geothermal energy.