CATL Seeks $1 Billion Loan to Build Battery Plant in Indonesia

【PCauto】CATL, the world's leading power battery system provider, is actively seeking a loan of approximately $1 billion to finance the construction of a battery cell manufacturing plant in Karawang, West Java, Indonesia. The loan is expected to have a term of five to seven years.

The battery manufacturing factory is a joint venture between CATL and Indonesia Battery Corp.. CATL has previously planned to invest $1.2 billion in Indonesia to build a battery cell factory with an annual production capacity of 15 GWh, which is expected to achieve commercial operation by 2027. If the $1 billion loan is successfully implemented, it will undoubtedly promote the project to be constructed and put into operation more effectively.

As the largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer in the world, CATL holds an important position in the electric vehicle market. Data shows that in the first two months of 2025, CATL's global market share reached 38.2%. Currently, CATL has 13 production bases worldwide.

The factory in Thuringia, Germany, has achieved mass production of lithium-ion battery cells, and the factory in Hungary is under construction. In December last year, CATL also announced that it had established a joint venture with Stellantis Group in Spain to build a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery factory with a planned total investment of up to $4.26 billion.

CATL's layout of investment in Indonesia has been under profound strategic considerations. Indonesia has rich nickel resources, accounting for more than 20% of the world's reserves. As nickel is a critical raw material for battery production, establishing a battery plant in Indonesia will enable CATL to reduce material costs and ensure a stable supply.

Additionally, Indonesia's location in Southeast Asia allows the plant to serve the regional NEV market upon completion, further expanding CATL's global market share in the EV battery sector and solidifying its leading position.

Currently, CATL is negotiating with potential financiers for this loan. Although the details of the loan may still change, this news has already shown CATL's ambition to continue its global expansion in the power battery market. The progress of CATL's Indonesian project and the result of the loan negotiations will be closely watched by industry stakeholders.