MAN Accelerates Transformation with Expanded Battery Production for Electric Commercial Vehicles at Nuremberg

MAN Accelerates Transformation with Expanded Battery Production for Electric Commercial Vehicles at Nuremberg

(IN BRIEF) MAN Truck & Bus has officially launched battery production at its Nuremberg site, expanding investment from 100 million to approximately 250 million euros. This phase enhances the facility’s capabilities by producing complete battery packs as well as individual modules, paving the way for next-generation battery technology. The expansion, supported by funding from the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection and the Free State of Bavaria, includes nearly 150 million euros in additional investment and research funding aimed at advancing battery assembly, cell chemistry, and safety measures. Alongside complementary investments in diesel engine production, the overall commitment at the Nuremberg location nears half a billion euros, securing around 400 sustainable jobs through employee retraining. The new production line leverages advanced modular manufacturing and digital automation to meet rising demand for battery-electric commercial vehicles, with rigorous quality assurance protocols ensuring the durability and performance of each battery pack.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 13-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Battery production for MAN’s electric trucks and buses is officially underway at the Nuremberg site, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s shift toward sustainable mobility. The inauguration event featured key dignitaries including Minister of State Hubert Aiwanger, MAN Executive Board Member Michael Kobriger for Production and Logistics, MAN CEO Alexander Vlaskamp, Bavarian Minister President Dr. Markus Söder, Chairman of the Works Council at the site Markus Wansch, and Research and Development Executive Board Member Dr. Frederik Zohm.

At the start of battery series production at the Nuremberg site: Minister of State Hubert Aiwanger, Michael Kobriger, MAN Executive Board Member for Production and Logistics, MAN CEO Alexander Vlaskamp, Bavarian Minister President Dr. Markus Söder, Markus Wansch, Chairman of the Works Council at the Nuremberg site and Dr. Frederik Zohm, MAN Executive Board Member for Research and Development.

MAN Truck & Bus has now embarked on a significant expansion of its battery production, increasing the overall investment from an initial 100 million euros to approximately 250 million euros. This expanded commitment, in tandem with the ongoing investments in diesel engine production, brings the total investment at the Nuremberg location to nearly half a billion euros. The launch was celebrated by Bavarian Prime Minister Dr. Markus Söder, who underscored the strategic importance of this new phase. This development is also set to secure around 400 sustainable jobs in the battery production sector at the site.

During the ceremony, MAN emphasized that the new stage of production represents not only an expansion in quantity but also an enhancement in quality and added value. In practical terms, while the initial focus was on producing battery packs composed of multiple modules, the next phase will see the modules themselves manufactured at Nuremberg. This step is integral to preparing for the next generation of battery technology.

MAN has committed to further investment amounting to roughly 150 million euros in the coming years, of which approximately 18 million euros will be subsidized through funding from the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) and the Free State of Bavaria. Additionally, the Bavarian government is investing around 30 million euros in advancing research and development in battery technology at the site. These funds will support studies in battery assembly processes, the chemistry of battery cells, aging mechanisms, and safety protocols.

The strategic transformation of the Nuremberg site is highlighted by the fact that many employees have transitioned from roles in engine assembly, foundry, or logistics to gain new opportunities in battery production through retraining. This shift reflects MAN’s broader vision as the company, known historically for its diesel engines, embraces the future of electromobility. MAN CEO Alexander Vlaskamp remarked, “Today is a historic day for MAN. With the start of battery production, the company that invented the diesel engine is entering a new era. We are very proud of what we have created here in Nuremberg and what will continue to be created. Today we announced another milestone in the transformation towards climate-friendly drives: MAN will invest a further 150 million euros in the expansion of battery production for future battery generations in Nuremberg. We have also recently stepped up our efforts in the further development of state-of-the-art diesel technology. This brings the total investment in Nuremberg to half a billion euros. This is a clear commitment to Bavaria and Germany as a centre of innovation.”

Bavarian Minister President Dr. Markus Söder echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the successful transformation of the site from a traditional diesel engine production facility into a modern hub for battery manufacturing. He noted that such advances not only bolster the local industry by securing and creating jobs but also reinforce Bavaria’s reputation as a leading centre for automotive innovation. Söder highlighted the effective collaboration among management, the works council, employees, and politicians—elements that have been crucial to MAN’s evolution into a state-of-the-art battery production facility for electric trucks and buses. In supporting this transformation, the Free State of Bavaria has already contributed initial research and development funds and will further support battery module production with additional funding.

At the Nuremberg facility, battery packs are produced in three distinct form factors. These include the flat form factor for the MAN Lion’s City E, a battery-electric city bus, and two other formats employed in the MAN eTGL, eTGS, and eTGX electric trucks, which range from 12 to 50 tonnes in total weight. While the current production capacity is set at 50,000 battery packs per year, the design of the new M50 building allows for a future increase up to 100,000 packs per year. This capacity will be adjusted based on market demand for battery-electric vehicles.

Furthermore, MAN’s adoption of NMC cell chemistry—nickel-manganese-cobalt—has been tailored specifically for commercial vehicle operation. The built-in battery management system (BMS) monitors cell conditions continuously, implementing safeguards such as high-voltage emergency shutdowns in critical situations and maintaining optimal cell temperatures through an advanced heating and cooling system. A highlight of the process is the modular production technique, which replaces traditional conveyor belt systems with a more flexible workflow that adapts to various product variants. The decoupled production stations are independently operated and reconfigurable, supported by high levels of digitalization and automation, including the use of automated guided vehicles (AGVs). This system not only ensures economic efficiency but also allows for customized production based on specific requirements.

Quality assurance remains paramount at MAN. Every battery pack undergoes a rigorous ‘end of line’ inspection, which includes around 23 different test programs and monitoring of approximately 400 test parameters. These detailed checks—ranging from software validations to electrical and leakage tests—ensure that each battery can endure environmental stresses such as wind, rain, and even steam jets, with all data meticulously recorded for long-term traceability.

Media Contact:

Thomas Pietsch
Communications Manager Van & Zero Emission Mobility
presse-man@man.eu
+49 89 1580-2001

SOURCE: MAN Truck & Bus