In 2022, the Turkish automotive industry marked a significant milestone with the opening of Togg’s newest factory. A year later, in 2023, the factory began mass production of its first vehicle, the Togg T10X, a fully electric C-segment SUV that represents Turkey’s ambitious foray into the electric vehicle (EV) market. Priced just over 40,000 euros, the T10X is poised to make a substantial impact in the automotive world.
Precision and Automation: The Welding Process
As we enter the heart of the factory, we are greeted by the sight of Kuka’s blue robots. These state-of-the-art robotic arms are meticulously programmed to weld the individual parts of the T10X with remarkable precision. Operating around the clock, these robots ensure a seamless assembly process with minimal errors. Human intervention is minimal at this stage, primarily involving programming the robots and overseeing the production process from control stations.
The welded body then undergoes stringent quality control in illuminated tunnels. Here, trained personnel meticulously inspect the bodywork, paying close attention to the welded joints to ensure they meet the highest standards.
The Painting Process: From Primer to Clearcoat
The painting process begins with a thorough wash to prepare the car body for subsequent layers of paint. The first step is the primer application, where the body is dipped into a pool of rust-resistant paint. This is followed by a phosphate coating process that ensures optimal adhesion of the corrosion protection layer.
Next, the body undergoes an electrophoretic coating process, an electro-chemical procedure essential for corrosion protection. The body is submerged in a basin filled with electrophoretic dip paint and deionized water, ensuring comprehensive coverage by rotating on its axis.
Following this, the body enters a 40-minute drying phase at high temperatures to finalize the cross-linking of the coats. Another quality check is conducted after this bath, and an 8-minute intermediate drying process prepares the body for the application of the clearcoat. This final coat, responsible for the vehicle’s gloss and color depth, offers robust protection against environmental damage.
Assembly Line: Precision and Efficiency
The main assembly line commences with the installation of the panoramic roof window. To facilitate the interior assembly, all doors are removed, allowing workers to install seats, the front dashboard, wiring, and other components with ease. The car body moves along a conveyor belt, where employees, aided by various holders and feeders, methodically assemble the vehicle, preparing it for connection to the chassis.
As the assembly process concludes, another round of quality checks is performed in LED tunnels to ensure the car meets all standards. Before the vehicles are dispatched to dealers and customers, they undergo a final shower to ensure they are pristine.
A Milestone in Turkish Automotive History
Togg was formed through the merger of five Turkish companies, each contributing to the development of Turkey’s first electric car. The T10X, with its impressive specifications, embodies this collaborative effort. It accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 5 seconds, boasts a power output of around 300 horsepower depending on the motorization, and can travel between 300 and 500 kilometers on a single charge. Remarkably, it takes only 30 minutes to recharge the battery to 80%.
The T10X has garnered significant attention, with over 180,000 pre-orders within days of its launch announcement. Currently available only in Turkey, Togg has plans to export its vehicles abroad soon.
Advanced Features and Future Prospects
Spanning over 1.2 million square meters, the factory employs over 2,000 workers, with expectations to exceed 10,000 employees at full production capacity. The T10X SUV is equipped with a host of advanced features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, traffic sign detection, lane-keeping and departure warning systems, and a surround view camera. It also offers blind spot assist, driver assistance, advanced electronic stability control, and automatic parking assist.
Available in two trim levels, the T10X caters to different needs. The entry-level V1 features a 52-kilowatt-hour battery, while the more luxurious V2 trim offers a choice between a 52-kilowatt-hour or an 88-kilowatt-hour battery. Each trim level comes with a unique set of options tailored to the preferences of discerning customers.
Togg’s state-of-the-art factory and the T10X SUV represent a significant achievement for the Turkish automotive industry, promising a bright future for the nation’s foray into the electric vehicle market.