StarPlus Energy partners Stellantis and Samsung SDI have confirmed their plan for a second lithium-ion battery plant in Kokomo, Ind., with production to begin in early 2027 and an annual capacity of 34 gigawatt hours (GWh). The $3.2-billion capital investment is comparable in size and scale to the joint-venture project they announced in 2022.
According to the automaker’s announcement, the project will create 1,400 jobs in the region. The first plant is under construction now and due to start operating in 2025.
Samsung SDI manufactures rechargeable batteries used in IT operations and energy-storage systems, as well as automobiles. Samsung’s PRiMX lithium-ion battery technology for battery-electric vehicles was introduced in 2021.
Stellantis has pledged that 100% of its passenger cars offered in Europe will be battery-electric vehicles by 2030, as will 50% of passenger cars and light-duty trucks for sale in the United States by that date. In addition to the two BEV battery plants slated for Indiana, Stellantis plans a joint-venture battery plant in Windsor, Ontario.
“Our battery ecosystem is the foundation of our electrification strategy, and our great partners Samsung SDI, the state of Indiana and the city of Kokomo have created a compelling case for locating our sixth gigafactory in Kokomo,” stated Mark Stewart, Stellantis COO North America. “The BEVs coming to our North America brands play an important role in our drive to offer clean, safe and affordable mobility for all and achieve the bold goal of carbon net-zero by 2038.”
