NextStar Energy Launches Battery Module Production in Windsor

NextStar Energy, a joint venture between LG Energy Solution (LGES) and Stellantis, has officially begun battery module production at its facility in Windsor, Ontario. This marks a significant step forward for the company, which aims to establish itself as a key player in North America’s electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing sector.

A Milestone in Production – 

As NextStar Energy CEO Danies Lee highlighted, the commencement of battery module production is a crucial milestone to its operations. “We are thrilled to begin battery module production at NextStar Energy, which is a pivotal landmark for our operations,” Lee stated. He emphasized that this launch reflects the team’s expertise and commitment to providing innovative energy solutions.

Once fully operational, NextStar Energy’s facility will have an annual production capacity of 49.5 gigawatt-hours, enough to power approximately 450,000 vehicles each year. This capacity positions the facility as Canada’s first large-scale EV battery manufacturing plant.

Construction Progress and Workforce Development –

Construction at the Windsor site has been robust, with more than 7,500 Canadian tradespeople contributing nearly 5.7 million man-hours since the groundbreaking in 2022. On average, over 2,000 tradespeople work on-site daily, demonstrating the scale of this project and the dedication to its completion.

Hiring efforts are underway, with about 450 of the anticipated 2,500 local jobs already filled. NextStar Energy is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce to support its operations. Job openings can be found on the company’s careers page, encouraging local applicants to join this emerging industry.

Looking Ahead: Cell Production – 

NextStar Energy’s next phase involves cell manufacturing, which is scheduled to begin in 2025, pending the completion of construction. This phase is essential for the overall production of battery systems, as battery modules consist of multiple battery cells housed in locally manufactured casings.

As the company moves forward, it aims to lead the charge in EV battery production in North America, including vehicles like the all-new Dodge Charger Daytona and the upcoming Chrysler C6X crossover.