StarPlus Energy, a joint venture between Stellantis N.V. and Samsung SDI, plans to build a second lithium-ion battery manufacturing factory in the U.S. for electric vehicles (EVs).
The plant aims to have an annual production capacity of 34 gigawatt hours (GWh) with production slated to begin in 2027. In May of 2022, Stellantis and Samsung committed to building its first battery factory in Kokomo, Indiana, with a starting target of 2025 and annual production of 33 GWh.
“This new facility will contribute to reaching our aggressive target to offer at least 25 new battery electric vehicles for the North American market by the end of the decade,” said Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis. “We are continuing to add more capacity in the United States together with our great partner Samsung SDI and laying the next steps to reaching our carbon neutrality commitment by 2038.”
Stellantis is accelerating its electrification plans as it, and the rest of the automotive industry, is rapidly transitioning to EVs due to increased consumer demand and regional and government mandates that call for reduction of carbon emissions to curb climate change.
Stellantis recently introduced its first EV platform for medium cars while simultaneously making a deal for rare Earth elements for the future of electrified models. Additionally, the company invested in Lyten’s 3D graphene applications including its lithium-sulfur EV batteries.
Additionally, it is working with aiMotive and SiliconAuto to develop its own semiconductors in the future to differentiate itself from other automotive original equipment manufacturers. SiliconAuto is the 50/50 joint venture that Stellantis formed with Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) to design and produce semiconductors for the automotive industry. Foxconn will begin manufacturing the chips starting in 2026.
