Shanghai (ZXZC)- On August 21, GAC AION officially completed and commenced operations at its Changsha Smart Ecological Factory, marking a significant milestone for the region's automotive industry.

Photo credit: GAC AION

The first model to roll off the production line at the new factory is the second-generation AION V, with plans to introduce additional new models in the near future. The factory boasts an annual production capacity of 200,000 new energy vehicles (NEVs), with room for future expansion, positioning it as a key player in the development of a large-scale automotive production base in central China.

According to GAC AION, this is the first "Dark Factory" in Hunan Province, leveraging full-scale AI and simulation modeling technologies that shorten the debugging process by 25% and save 30% of process space. The intelligent logistics system increases the precision of logistics deliveries by 40% and reduces delivery times by 25%.

Photo credit: GAC AION

The Changsha facility is touted as the world's fastest NEV factory in terms of single-line production speed. It also features the world's most powerful robotic system for handling power batteries, with a maximum load capacity of 1.2 tonnes. Additionally, the factory has achieved a global first by integrating vertical wall-mounted photovoltaics, generating more than 50% of the factory's electricity.

"We've adopted a strategy of localizing production and supply chains, promoting the establishment of an industrial cluster around the main factory. By continuously driving the development of supporting industries in the surrounding area, we aim to foster vertical integration and horizontal collaboration across resources," said a representative of GAC AION Changsha Branch. Following the full-scale launch, the factory plans to produce 9,000 NEVs in its first month, with an estimated annual output value exceeding 20 billion yuan once full capacity is reached by 2025.

To date, four suppliers have set up in-factory facilities, while five others have established factories nearby. Combined with existing local resources, the number of supporting suppliers in the vicinity has reached 20. As the Changsha factory continues to ramp up production, even more automotive parts companies are expected to establish a presence in the area.