Gigafactory, new BEV models and alliances: Slovakia’s path to electrification

Slovakia is accelerating its automotive transformation towards electric mobility, with new models in production, reoriented suppliers and a flagship gigafactory project in Šurany.

“All major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are producing or launching battery electric vehicles (BEVs),” says Patrik Krizansky, President of the Slovak Electric Vehicle Association (SEVA), in conversation with Mobility Portal Europe.

Volkswagen is preparing to manufacture the electric Porsche Cayenne; Kia will begin production of two electric models from 2025; and Stellantis is already producing three BEV models in Trnava, including the Citroën ë-C3.

In Košice, the Volvo Cars plant currently under construction will be dedicated exclusively to electric vehicles.

Although it was initially scheduled to open in 2026, the company has announced that operations will commence in early 2027, in line with the new product launch timeline.

Furthermore, Polestar will manufacture its Polestar 7 SUV model at that site from 2028 onwards, expanding synergies within the Geely Group.

Slovakia’s supplier ecosystem is also adapting to this transition.

“Companies such as Webasto, Schaeffler, Mubea and Unitech are reconfiguring their production towards components for electromobility,” Krizansky explains.

This process is complemented by investments in manufacturing infrastructure, logistics and training.

Slovakia as a key node in the battery value chain

One of the strategic pillars is the development of the battery value chain.

In this regard, Krizansky explains that the country is already positioning itself as a key node in the battery value chain in Central Europe.

“The Gotion–InoBat gigafactory project in Šurany represents a flagship initiative,” states the SEVA President.

The plant is generating an ecosystem of specialised suppliers and aligns with the EU’s goals for technological and energy sovereignty.

SEVA is actively working to facilitate this process on the regulatory front.

“We are creating the right framework for transformation, including regulatory and industrial conditions,” he explains.

The organisation acts as a bridge between public stakeholders, OEMs and suppliers, with the aim of strengthening the country’s position within the electromobility ecosystem.

At the regional level, public-private and cross-border cooperation plays a key role.

“Regional cooperation is essential for the development of electric mobility in Central Europe,” Krizansky affirms.

The Drive2Transform case

One notable example is the European Drive2Transform project, which involves partners from five countries and aims to help automotive SMEs integrate electrification processes.

“The goal is to support these companies in tackling the challenges of electrification and securing their place in the evolving electric mobility ecosystem,” he details.

For SEVA, the objective is to connect industrial players, public institutions and digital solutions, thereby enhancing the sector’s competitiveness and resilience.

Beyond individual projects, Slovakia is taking part in structured regional initiatives such as the newly launched ACEA Central and Eastern European Automotive Hub, created by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

This platform brings together automotive associations from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland and Romania, and seeks to strengthen the region’s representation in European policy discussions.

The Hub will provide policy intelligence, regional coordination and strategic support on key legislation.

Electric Mobility as an Economic and Industrial Opportunity

According to SEVA, the sector’s transformation is not merely an environmental objective.

“Electric mobility is above all an economic and industrial opportunity,” Krizansky states.

For Slovakia — a historic leader in per capita automotive production — the challenge is to accelerate the transition without compromising competitiveness.

“The transition is not in question. What we must ask is how fast and how well we can harness it to strengthen our position,” he maintains.

The industrial conversion has the potential to preserve jobs, attract strategic investment and consolidate a forward-looking industry.

Krizansky also highlights the need for an open and collaborative vision: “To maintain our competitiveness, Slovakia must remain ambitious, innovative and open to cooperation — not only within our borders but across Europe.”

In this regard, SEVA promotes engagement with international actors, sector associations and technology platforms.

“We welcome dialogue with national and international stakeholders, we share knowledge, strengthen networks, and help Slovakia become an active player in the electric mobility revolution,” he concludes.

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