Northvolt sells module production to Scania

Northvolt Systems Industrial was founded by Northvolt in 2018 and currently employs around 300 people at a prototype facility for battery systems in Stockholm and at the production facility in Gdansk. The latter assembles battery modules used in construction machinery and drilling rigs, among other things.

However, Northvolt avoids naming the buyer in the press release, instead referring to a “leading industrial group” or “the buyer.” For example: “Northvolt and the buyer are aligned in their intent to structure a transaction that includes the transfer of all necessary assets, employees, and contracts required to ensure a seamless continuation of operations at the Industrial business.”

As the news agency Reuters writes, the anonymous buyer is more forthcoming. Scania, a Northvolt customer and lender, has confirmed the acquisition. Northvolt Systems Industrial will be integrated into the engine division of the Traton brand. The Swedes did not disclose the purchase price. As reported, Scania intends to install Northvolt batteries in all its future electric models. Reuters says Northvolt Systems Industrial is “one of its few profitable units.”

The Swedish battery manufacturer has been undergoing creditor protection proceedings under US law since November 2024. Since then, Northvolt has focused on cell production at its own battery factory, Northvolt Ett, in Skelleftea, northern Sweden. Further factories in Germany and Canada are still under construction but will likely be delayed. Northvolt has parted with other projects since the strategic review launched in the summer – the battery module plant in Gdansk was also put up for sale at that time.

In September, Northvolt also confirmed that it would pause cathode material production at its Swedish headquarters in Skelleftea until further notice – the focus will be on cell production. Plans for a cathode factory in Borlänge, Sweden, were also cancelled. Northvolt sold its US subsidiary Cuberg to Lyten, and Volvo Cars will acquire all shares in the former joint venture Novo Energy, which was planning to build a cell factory in Gothenburg.

Update 11 April 2025

Scania has now officially announced the completion of the purchase of Northvolt’s battery systems division, which was announced in February. The commercial vehicle manufacturer is taking over the production capacities, a research and development centre and a team of around 260 employees from Northvolt Systems Industrial. The purchase price is not being disclosed.

Scania is thus not only taking over the leased production facility for the battery modules near Gdansk, but also the research and development center in Tomteboda near Stockholm. “The acquired company will be a partner to Scania’s business unit Power Solutions. This will add on to Scania’s offering as part of a diversified product portfolio,” the Traton brand states in its press release. However, it will continue to operate as an independent company.

“Northvolt Systems Industrial Division brings valuable expertise in battery technology and assembly. Their capabilities strengthen our modular approach and support the development of complete electrified solutions for off-road applications. I’m pleased to welcome the team to Scania,” said Sara Hermansson, Head of Scania Power Solutions.

northvolt.com, reuters.com, scania.com (update)