Panasonic Selects Kansas for US-Based EV Battery Facility

A global leader in lithium-ion batteries, Panasonic Energy, reaches an agreement with one of the nation’s leaders in economic development, Kansas, aiming to advance the EV industry in the US

TOPEKA, Kan. – The state of Kansas has approved an incentive application submitted by Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. This agreement would make the state the location for a proposed US-based lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility, pending approval by Panasonic Holdings Corporation Board of Directors.

Panasonic Energy is committed to developing the project in Kansas, which is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local economy and create up to 4,000 new jobs. The company has identified a site in De Soto, Kansas for this potential project.

“This project will be transformative for the Kansas economy, providing high-quality, high-tech jobs while bringing a new industry to the state that is forging a more sustainable future,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “This is a significant milestone for Kansas that is sure to drive economic growth and development.”

“With the increased electrification of the automotive market, expanding battery production in the US is critical to help meet demand,” said Kazuo Tadanobu, President, CEO of Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. “Given our leading technology and depth of experience, we aim to continue driving growth of the lithium-ion battery industry and accelerating towards a net-zero emissions future.”

Panasonic Energy is a global leader in lithium-ion batteries, with a 100-year history of innovation in batteries spanning both battery cell technology and business operations. The company plans to expand the production of EV batteries as the automotive industry transitions to more sustainable electric technologies. Panasonic Energy has contributed to achieving greater efficiency and economies of scale necessary to drive this transformation. The planned facility in Kansas supports the company’s commitment to reducing global carbon emissions and contributing to society.

“Kansas has an impressive history of being home to a skilled manufacturing workforce,” said Kris Takamoto, Executive Vice President of Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., Head of EV Battery Business. “We appreciate Kansas’s dedication to sustainability and its commitment to and growth in the clean and renewable energy space.”

The announcement comes five years after Panasonic Group began production of lithium-ion batteries at Panasonic Energy of North America (PENA) in Sparks, Nevada. PENA is now one of the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factories, surpassing six billion EV battery cells shipped. While PENA’s operations in Sparks, Nevada will continue, the new facility in Kansas is intended to further support Panasonic’s long-term commitment to advancing the EV industry in the US.

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