Stellantis, Samsung SDI Plans To Build Second StarPlus Energy Gigafactory!

In a strategic move towards accelerating the transition to electric vehicles, Stellantis and Samsung SDI have officially signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a second battery manufacturing facility in the United States. The new plant will be operated under the existing StarPlus Energy joint venture between the two companies. With a targeted production start in 2027, the facility aims to have an initial annual production capacity of 34 gigawatt-hours (GWh), further solidifying Stellantis’ commitment to offering at least 25 new battery-electric vehicles for the North American market by the end of the decade.

This recent development builds upon the successful partnership between Stellantis and Samsung SDI, which was announced in May 2022. The two companies had committed to constructing their first battery manufacturing facility in Kokomo, Indiana. Set to launch in the first quarter of 2025; the Kokomo plant will have an annual production capacity of 33 GWh, surpassing its initial target of 23 GWh.

Stellantis CEO, Carlos Tavares, expressed his excitement about the new facility: “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. We are continuing to add more capacity in the United States with our great partner Samsung SDI and laying the next steps to reaching our carbon neutrality commitment by 2038.”

Samsung SDI President and CEO Yoon-ho Choi also shared his optimism, noting that the second plant will help accelerate their market presence in North America and support Stellantis’ efforts to lead the U.S. transition to an era of electric vehicles. The joint venture aims to supply products featuring the highest levels of safety and quality, making electric vehicles more accessible and appealing to consumers.

This ambitious plan is part of Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, which aims to achieve 100% of the passenger-car battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales mix in Europe and 50% of passenger car and light-duty truck BEV sales mix in the United States by 2030. The company is securing approximately 400 GWh of battery capacity to meet these sales targets. Stellantis is steadfastly committed to becoming a carbon net-zero corporation by 2038, encompassing all scopes, with plans to offset the remaining emissions to single-digit percentages.

While the new facility’s location is still under review, the company promises to share further details later. With these significant strides toward expanding battery manufacturing capacity in the United States, Stellantis and Samsung SDI are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of electric mobility and sustainability in the automotive industry. As the world moves towards a cleaner and greener transportation landscape, the partnership’s endeavors aim to leave a lasting impact on the environment and society.