Panasonic Energy expands its operations in the U.S. by acquiring a second battery manufacturing facility.
Panasonic Energy has commenced mass production at a new automotive lithium-ion battery factory in Kansas City, De Soto. The manufacturer's latest innovation aims to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in North America.
The new factory, which specialises in the production of 2170 cells, differs from the cells produced at Panasonic's Nevada site. Panasonic claims that the new factory achieves approximately 20% higher productivity than its Nevada site due to automated production lines. This productivity gain is attributed to the use of cutting-edge, automated, and labor-saving technologies integrated into the Kansas factory’s advanced assembly lines.
Regarding future improvements in battery cell capacity, Panasonic plans to incorporate advanced materials in upcoming production, aiming to increase battery cell capacity by about 5% over current capabilities. The company’s high-capacity cylindrical 2170 cells already feature a best-in-class volumetric energy density of 800 Wh/liter and have powered millions of electric vehicles globally. The 5% capacity boost reinforces Panasonic’s commitment to next-generation EV battery technologies and innovation.
When operating at full capacity, the new factory will increase Panasonic Energy's total U.S. capacity to 73 gigawatt-hours. However, the manufacturer did not disclose when the new plant would reach full capacity. The new factory is designed for an annual capacity of approximately 32 gigawatt-hours.
It's worth noting that Panasonic Energy's Nevada site, which began operation in 2017, has a capacity of about 41 gigawatt-hours. The lithium-ion cells currently being produced have a volumetric energy density of 800 watt-hours per liter.
These advancements are part of Panasonic Energy's broader strategy to scale high-volume, stable, and efficient battery production in the U.S., supporting the growing North American EV market. The company's focus on automation, efficiency, and innovation is expected to play a significant role in the future of the EV industry.
- The new factory in Kansas City, De Soto, specializing in the production of 2170 cells, is expected to contribute to the automotive industry, particularly the transportation sector, given Panasonic Energy's commitment to supporting the growing EV market in North America.
- The integration of advanced, automated, and labor-saving technologies into the Kansas factory’s assembly lines boosts productivity by approximately 20%, setting a precedent for future advancements in the energy sector, including the finance and technology industries, as Panasonic continues to excel in next-generation EV battery technologies.
- As Panasonic Energy aims to increase battery cell capacity by about 5% with the incorporation of advanced materials in upcoming production, collaboration between the energy, finance, and technology industries may be fostered to further drive innovation in the electric vehicle finance model and promote the adoption of EVs in the wider market.
