What’s Happening: The Lion Electric Company, a leading all-electric medium and heavy-duty vehicle manufacturer, has officially inaugurated its new lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in Mirabel, Quebec. The 175,000 square feet factory, located at the YMX International Aerocity, is the first of its kind in Canada and will power vehicles assembled at Lion’s plants in Saint-Jérôme, Quebec, and Joliet, IL.
Why It Matters: This new facility represents a significant step toward the widespread adoption of electric transportation in North America. By producing their own batteries, Lion Electric aims to strengthen its leadership position in the market and contribute to a greener economy. The factory will also create 135 high-paying jobs, boosting the local economy.
Key Points:
- The first battery pack was produced in late 2022, with final certification expected in the first half of 2023.
- The factory is targeted to reach a production capacity of 1.7 gigawatt hour by the end of 2023 and eventually achieve an annual capacity of 5 gigawatt hours.
- At full scale, the facility will have the capacity to electrify approximately 14,000 medium and heavy-duty vehicles per year, depending on the vehicle mix.
- To date, Lion has delivered over 950 all-electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in North America, collectively driving more than 10 million miles (16 million kilometers).
- Once both the Quebec and Illinois factories are at full capacity, Lion expects to manufacture 22,500 electric buses and trucks per year.
Bottom Line: The inauguration of Lion Electric’s new battery manufacturing facility in Mirabel marks a significant milestone for the company and the electrification of transportation in North America. With the support of the Québec government and a $50 million loan, Lion aims to expand its production capacity, create jobs, and contribute to a greener economy. The company’s success also highlights Québec’s potential to become a leader in the green economy, with its focus on battery production and electric vehicle manufacturing.
