Panasonic Energy Breaks Ground on EV Battery Factory in Kansas

Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., a Panasonic Group company, has embarked on an ambitious project: the construction of a new lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in De Soto, Kansas. This facility is set to become one of the largest battery plants globally, significantly impacting the domestic electric vehicle (EV) industry.

The facility will focus on rapidly ramping up the production of “2170” cylindrical Li-ion batteries to meet the surging demand for EV batteries in the United States. Mass production is expected to begin by March 2025. The facility will maintain an annual total production capacity of approximately 30 GWh, supplying EV manufacturers across the country. The project will drive economic activity and create up to 4,000 jobs in Kansas.

The facility will be situated at the Astra Enterprise Park site near De Soto. Two local contractors, Emery Sapp & Sons Inc. and Kissick Construction Co. Inc., are already onboard for site preparation. With leading technology and Kansas as a critical partner, Panasonic aims to revolutionize the global transportation industry.