General Motors and LG Energy Solutions have begun production at their $2.3 billion joint venture battery manufacturing plant in Ohio. LG and GM’s battery joint venture Ultium Cells Ohio plant was reportedly completed in August and began full production in September. The 2.8 million-square-foot plant is the first of four plants the joint venture plans to build in the U.S., in Ohio, Tennessee, Michigan and Indiana, respectively.
It is understood that the Ohio plant has an annual capacity of 30 GWh and employs more than 800 people. The company said it is preparing to maximize the utilization of the plant, which could be expanded to 40 GWh per year, considering employing more than 1,300 people.
The move comes as the U.S. Department of Energy plans to provide Ultium Cells LLC with a $2.5 billion loan to help it build three battery plants.
In addition, Ultium Cells is building a $2.3 billion nuclear power plant in Tennessee that will be completed by the end of 2023.
Earlier this month, General Motors and LG Energy said they are considering a fourth U.S. battery manufacturing plant in New Carlisle, Indiana, at an estimated cost of about $2.4 billion.
