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Panasonic Energy has commenced mass production at its new, state-of-the-art factory in De Soto, Kansas. This facility, one of the largest of its kind in North America, is set to become a cornerstone of the United States’ electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, significantly boosting domestic battery manufacturing capabilities.
Key Highlights
- Mass production of 2170 cylindrical lithium-ion batteries has officially begun at the new De Soto, Kansas, facility.
- The factory is projected to reach an annual production capacity of approximately 32 GWh, a significant step in localizing EV battery production.
- This is Panasonic Energy’s second EV battery factory in North America, complementing the existing plant in Nevada.
- The project represents the largest economic development initiative in Kansas’s history, expected to create up to 4,000 direct jobs.
- The new plant will feature advanced, labor-saving production lines to increase efficiency.
Expanding North American Production
The Kansas factory is a critical component of Panasonic Energy’s strategy to bolster its manufacturing presence in North America. Spanning a vast 300-acre site, the facility will produce 2170 cylindrical lithium-ion batteries, which are essential for powering a growing number of electric vehicles.
This new plant joins the company’s established factory in Sparks, Nevada, which has an annual capacity of approximately 41 GWh. Once the Kansas location is fully operational, Panasonic Energy’s total U.S.-based production capacity is expected to climb to around 73 GWh. This increased output is crucial for meeting the surging demand from automotive partners who are expanding their EV production lines.
With nearly three decades of experience in lithium-ion battery manufacturing, including about eight years of high-volume production at the Nevada site, Panasonic Energy is leveraging its expertise to ensure a smooth and rapid ramp-up of operations in Kansas. The Nevada factory has already produced over 11 billion battery cells.
Technological Advancements and Economic Impact
The Kansas factory is designed for enhanced efficiency, with labor-saving production lines expected to yield a 20 percent increase in productivity compared to the Nevada facility. Looking ahead, Panasonic Energy plans to integrate advanced materials that will boost cell capacity by approximately five percent, further strengthening its competitive edge.
This development is not only a win for the company but also for the state of Kansas. The factory is considered the largest economic development project in the state’s history, with projections of creating up to 4,000 direct jobs and an additional 8,000 jobs through suppliers and related businesses.
“The opening of our Kansas Factory marks a major milestone in our journey to scale advanced battery production in the United States,” stated Kazuo Tadanobu, CEO of Panasonic Energy. “Together, we are accelerating the shift to electrification, reinforcing regional supply chains, and nurturing the next generation of battery talent.”
Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
Panasonic Energy is a leader in high-performance battery technology, with its cells boasting an industry-leading volumetric energy density of 800 Wh/L. To date, the company has supplied approximately 19 billion cells, powering around 3.7 million EVs without a single vehicle recall related to its batteries.
The company is also fostering long-term growth by collaborating with educational institutions like the University of Kansas. These partnerships are aimed at promoting technological advancement and developing a skilled workforce for the future of the battery industry.
For more information on Panasonic Energy and its initiatives, please visit https://www.panasonic.com/global/energy/.
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