The proposed EV battery manufacturing plant is being backed by incentives under Kansas’ APEX programme
Panasonic selects Kansas for $4bn EV battery manufacturing plant. (Credit: 阪神強いなプラス/Wikimedia Commons)
Panasonic has selected De Soto in Kansas for constructing a lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in the US with an investment of around $4bn.
The proposed facility is being supported by Kansas state, which will provide incentives under the Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX). It is expected to help in advancing the electric vehicle (EV) industry in the US.
To be developed by Panasonic Energy, a recently incorporated subsidiary, the project is subject to approval by Panasonic’s board of directors.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said: “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.
“This is a significant milestone for Kansas that is sure to drive economic growth and development.”
The lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility is anticipated to drive substantial economic activity and opportunities for the local economy, said Panasonic. It is likely to generate up to 4,000 new jobs as well.
Panasonic Energy president and CEO Kazuo Tadanobu said: “With the increased electrification of the automotive market, expanding battery production in the US is critical to help meet demand.
“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 has been producing lithium-ion batteries in the US at its factory in Sparks, Nevada, which is operated by Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.
Earlier this year, the Japanese group announced plans to invest nearly $5bn in growth areas such as EV batteries, supply chain software, and technology from fiscal 2023 to 2025. The group allocated around $3.26bn of the investment towards the automotive battery area, supply chain software area, and air quality and air-conditioning area.