Wuhan: Dongfeng Motor Corporation has officially commenced operations at the world’s largest 16,000-ton die-casting production line, marking a major milestone in advanced manufacturing for new energy vehicles (NEVs). The facility, located in the Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone, produced its first component a battery casing on January 21.

The factory houses the world’s first dual ultra-large die-casting lines, featuring both 16,000-ton and 10,000-ton die-casting machines. Mass production is scheduled to begin in April 2026, with vehicles such as the Dongfeng eπ 007, eπ 008, and Voyah Dreamer among the first models to be equipped with components manufactured at the facility.

The plant will focus on the research, development, production, and sales of ultra-large integrated die-cast structural components for NEVs, including battery casings and battery trays.

According to Dongfeng, die-cast battery casings offer significant advantages over traditional manufacturing methods. These include enhanced safety of the power battery system, reduced vehicle weight and energy consumption, and extended driving range for new energy vehicles.

Covering an area of 47,000 square meters, the factory began construction in November 2024. The main production building was completed in August 2025, with a total investment of approximately 1 billion yuan (USD 143.6 million). The facility has an initial annual production capacity of 200,000 automotive components.

Looking ahead, the second phase of the project will add four additional production lines, increasing total annual output to 600,000 units.

Notably, the 16,000-ton die-casting machine was independently designed and manufactured in China, making the facility the largest integrated die-casting factory in the automotive industry to date.

The die-casting process itself highlights the scale of innovation involved. Molten aluminum heated to 720°C is injected into a mold system consisting of a moving and stationary mold. The molds then clamp together under 10,000 tons of pressure, allowing battery trays and casings to be formed in as little as two minutes per cycle.

With the launch of this facility, Dongfeng reinforces its leadership in advanced manufacturing and accelerates the industrialization of next-generation NEV technologies.

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