BMZ Group and CALB: a partnership for Europe’s sustainable future
Forecasts by STRAT ANTICIPATION (“Risk assessment and success factors for mobility electrification”) indicate that in 2035, China will still have the highest demand for electric vehicle batteries, although its market share will decrease. At the same time, Europe is expected to double its demand for lithium-ion cells, making strategic partnerships between leading battery manufacturers and cell suppliers essential.
Authored and sponsored by BMZ Group
The European transportation sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by electrification and sustainability imperatives. As countries set ambitious decarbonization goals, battery technology emerges as the cornerstone of this revolution.
Forecasts by STRAT ANTICIPATION (“Risk assessment and success factors for mobility electrification”) indicate that in 2035, China will still have the highest demand for electric vehicle batteries, although its market share will decrease. At the same time, Europe is expected to double its demand for lithium-ion cells, making strategic partnerships between leading battery manufacturers and cell suppliers essential.
In the opening picture, from left to right: Mr, Błażej Kopczyk, Global Purchasing Manager – Battery Cells, BMZ Group Strategic Purchasing; Mr. Tomasz Wołk-Jankowski, CEO BMZ Poland; Mrs. Jingyu Liu, CEO CALB Group; Mr. Jacky Liu, VP CALB Group; Mr. Francis Monteiro, CEO BMZ Brazil
BMZ Group – CALB: a new factory in Portugal
The growing importance of local and sustainable battery production is exemplified by the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the European Zero Carbon AI Gigafactory. CALB’s investment in Portugal marks a milestone in the development of the European energy storage and electromobility market. The new factory will produce cells for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and energy storage systems (ESS), directly impacting the availability of key components for manufacturers such as BMZ Group, an European battery supplier.
The significance of a stable and efficient supply chain was highlighted by Tomasz Jankowski, CEO of BMZ Poland, where electric bus batteries and ESS systems are produced: “Inviting BMZ Group to this event is a clear signal that, as one of CALB’s key partners, BMZ Group may consider using European-manufactured cells for our products. This is an important development that can significantly enhance the stability of our supply chain,” said Tomasz Jankowski.
In 2022, BMZ Group and CALB signed a strategic cooperation agreement to develop and manufacture batteries for the EMEA, Americas, and APAC markets. The innovative lithium-ion batteries will be used in a wide range of electric vehicles, including electric buses, trucks, agricultural machinery, construction vehicles, and other light commercial electric vehicles (LCEVs).
The presence of Francis Monteiro, General Manager of BMZ Brazil, at the event was no coincidence. CALB’s new plant in Portugal has the potential to become a key supply source for BMZ Group’s European facilities as well as for production in South America.
“For BMZ Brazil, the stability of cell supply is crucial. Production in Portugal could become a viable alternative to Asian suppliers, allowing us to become independent of Far Eastern logistics chains and better meet the needs of our customers in South America,” emphasized Francis Monteiro.
The construction of CALB’s new factory in Sines—one of Europe’s key logistics hubs—is a well-planned investment. Its proximity to Europe’s second-largest deep-water port and Portugal’s largest rail freight platform provides optimal conditions for the distribution of cells across the continent. The plant is expected to start its first deliveries in 2027 and will produce both electric vehicle (EV) cells and energy storage systems (ESS).
“Producing cells in Europe will not only streamline logistics and shorten lead times but also open up new opportunities in battery technology development. Our goal is to source cells from this plant for both energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicle batteries,” noted Blazej Kopczyk, Global Purchasing Manager – Battery Cells, Group Strategic Purchasing at BMZ Holding.
As Europe accelerates its transition to clean mobility, the synergy between battery manufacturers, automakers, and energy providers will define the future of transportation.
Local battery cell production, in partnership with strong European players like BMZ Group, appears to be the key to the effective transformation of public transportation in Europe.
