Stellantis and Samsung SDI plan second US battery manufacturing facility

Dutch automotive manufacturing corporation Stellantis N.V. and South Korean battery manufacturing company Samsung SDI have confirmed they are set to build a second battery manufacturing plant in the U.S., marking the extension of their existing StarPlus Energy joint venture.

The facility, expected to start operations in 2027, is designed to have an annual production capacity of 34 gigawatt hours (GWh).

This news follows the announcement in May 2022 of the partners’ decision to construct their first battery manufacturing facility in Kokomo, Indiana, U.S. The plant, expected to begin operations in the first quarter of 2025, will generate an annual production of 33 GWh, surpassing the initial goal of 23 GWh.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares stated, “This new facility will contribute to reaching our aggressive target to offer at least 25 new battery electric vehicles for the North American market by the end of the decade.” He added, “We are continuing to add more capacity in the United States together with our great partner Samsung SDI and laying the next steps to reaching our carbon neutrality commitment by 2038.”

As part of its Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, Stellantis aims for 100% battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales mix for passenger cars in Europe and a 50% mix for passenger cars and light-duty trucks in the U.S by 2030. In order to achieve these sales targets, the company is securing approximately 400 GWh of battery capacity. By 2038, Stellantis is aiming to become a net-zero carbon corporation, with a minimal compensation for remaining emissions.

Samsung SDI President and CEO Yoon-ho Choi said, “By establishing the joint venture with Stellantis last year, we laid a solid groundwork for marking our presence in North America. The second plant will accelerate our market penetration into the U.S. and help Stellantis push forward the U.S. transition to an era of electric vehicles by supplying the products featuring the highest levels of safety and quality.”

The exact location of the new facility is yet to be disclosed and will be revealed at a later date. The transaction remains dependent on the finalization of definitive documentation.