TMTPOST-- Chinese battery technology firm Envision AESC has officially launched operations at its electric vehicle battery gigafactory in Douai, northern France, marking a major milestone in Europe’s push for clean energy manufacturing. French President Emmanuel Macron and Envision Group Chairman Zhang Lei attended the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday. Macron later posted on social media, saying: “Some say we must choose between economic growth and sustainability — we choose both. Some say making batteries in France is impossible — Envision’s Douai factory proves otherwise.” The facility is part of Envision’s global expansion strategy and supports Europe’s ambition to localize the EV supply chain while reducing carbon emissions. The Douai site is expected to play a key role in powering electric vehicles produced by Renault and other automakers.