MAHLE Starts Series Production of Battery Cooling Plates at Montblanc Plant, Tarragona
MAHLE has begun producing battery cooling plates for electric vehicles at its Montblanc, Tarragona plant, with capacity of up to 15,000 units per week after a double-digit million-euro investment.
- 15,000 units per week
- 8,000 units per week
- 750 employees
- 2.9 GWh
What Happened
MAHLE has commenced series production of battery cooling plates for electric vehicles at its Montblanc plant in Tarragona, Spain, marking a double milestone: the plant's 50th anniversary and 25 years as part of MAHLE. The cooling plates keep battery temperatures below 40°C and ensure uniform heat distribution, supporting the performance, fast charging capability, and longevity of lithium-ion batteries. The site received a double-digit million-euro investment and can produce up to 15,000 units per week, with a total workforce of 750 employees. The project has created skilled jobs and new development opportunities in the region, and its rapid development was enabled by support from public institutions and authorities.
“The launch of this project has required a transformation of the plant, which we have successfully executed in record time. Within one year we were ready for production. The production of the battery cooling plate impressively demonstrates our industrial capabilities, and we are ready to further expand the site should demand require it.”
After adapting approximately 10,000 m² within the facilities, production is set to ramp up gradually from 1,000 units per week to 8,000 by the end of 2026, with a possible peak of 15,000 units per week depending on demand. Selecting Montblanc strengthens MAHLE's industrial footprint in Spain, driven by the plant's strategic proximity to a local market with potential production capacity close to three million vehicles per year and to key logistics corridors. The plant's extensive track record and team expertise in launching highly automated, long-term projects were also key factors.
The battery cooling plate demands a highly automated process with minimal manual handling due to stringent requirements for corrosion resistance, surface quality, and cleanliness. New technologies integrated into the line include the cathodic dip coating process (e-coating), an automated immersion coating method providing strong corrosion protection, excellent adhesion, and uniform coverage, together with PVC surface treatments. MAHLE relies on specialized professionals in industrial electronics, robotics, and precision mechanics.
In line with its commitment to sustainable production, Montblanc has installed a water treatment system that enables 95% water savings in the e-coating process. The plate is made from aluminum, a 100% recyclable material, minimizing environmental impact at the end of its lifecycle. The plant also covers approximately 10% of its electricity consumption through on-site photovoltaic generation, with an annual output of 2.9 GWh.
- The Government of Catalonia, through ACCIÓ, classified the project as a strategic industrial project, helping prioritize and streamline administrative processes.
- The project received support from PERTE VEC 2, a Spanish government initiative to accelerate the automotive industry's transition to electromobility and reinforce the electric vehicle value chain.
- Key stakeholders involved include the Montblanc City Council, the Catalan Water Agency (ACA), Aigües de Montblanc, Endesa and Endesa X, ADIF, and various departments of the Government of Catalonia.
- MAHLE is working with the Conca de Barberà Regional Council to connect the plant with students and educators, fostering technical careers and exploring vocational training and dual education programs.
Previously from MAHLE GmbH
In June 2026, MAHLE unveiled bionic battery cooling as one of four technologies to boost EV range, comfort, and reliability for summer travel. In July 2026, it developed a high-performance cooling unit for Infineon's EasyPACK S power module, boosting its performance and enabling its use in data center power supply systems.
- MAHLE Unveils Four Technologies to Boost EV Range, Comfort, and Reliability for Summer Travel
- MAHLE Develops High-Performance Cooling Unit for Infineon Data Center Power Modules
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of MAHLE GmbH's official releases.
Why this matters
Battery cooling plates keep EV batteries below 40°C, which enables fast charging and longer battery life. The new production line creates skilled jobs among the plant's 750 employees and strengthens MAHLE's industrial footprint in Spain, a market with potential output of nearly three million vehicles per year. The project also brings advanced manufacturing and sustainability technologies to the region.
Terms in This Story
- Battery cooling plate
- A component in electric vehicles that circulates coolant to manage heat generated by battery cells, keeping them within a safe temperature range.
- Cathodic dip coating (e-coating)
- An automated immersion painting process that deposits a protective coating on metal parts to prevent corrosion.
- Lithium-ion battery
- A rechargeable battery type commonly used in electric vehicles; it stores energy through lithium-ion chemistry.
- Photovoltaic generation
- Producing electricity directly from sunlight using solar panels.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.