Multinational automaker Stellantis and South Korean battery giant Samsung SDI have officially announced plans Wednesday to develop its second battery factory in the US under the StarPlus Energy joint venture.
According to the press release, the JV has once again selected Kokoma, Indiana, for its major investment in US battery manufacturing.
“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Stellantis, Samsung SDI, and their joint-venture StarPlus Energy for their continued commitment and investment in our community. The addition of this second battery plant will solidify Kokomo as one of the largest electric vehicle battery producers in North America and shows that Kokomo continues to remain on the cutting edge of advanced automotive manufacturing.”
Mayor Tyler Moore of Kokomo
Project details
StarPlus Energy plans to commence battery production in early 2027. It is expected to hit an annual production output of 34 GWh.
To reach these targets, the companies will invest more than $3.2 billion (€2.8 billion). It will also open 1,400 new job opportunities in the city.
As mentioned, the new project will signify the JV’s second gigafactory in Kokomo and its sixth facility worldwide.
“Through construction of the second battery plant of StarPlus Energy, Samsung SDI will be establishing its largest production base for electric vehicle batteries in North America. We expect Stellantis brand vehicles powered by Samsung SDI batteries featuring supreme technologies to contribute to accelerating the US transition to an era of electric vehicles.”
Yoon-ho Choi, President and CEO of Samsung SDI
First Kokomo factory
StarPlus Energy has already begun the development of its first-ever battery gigafactory in Kokomo, Indiana.
The JV initially announced the first Kokomo battery gigafactory in June with an investment of $3.1 billion and 1,400 new job opportunities.
It aims to launch production as early as Q1 2025. It also expects the gigafactory to hit an annual production output of 33 GWh.
Stellantis asserted that the JV will invest more than $6.3 billion (€5.5 billion) for the first and second US factories, the press release indicated.
Overall, the two factories are expected to employ 2,800 people.
“Our battery ecosystem is the foundation of our electrification strategy and our great partners Samsung SDI, the State of Indiana, and the City of Kokomo have created a compelling case for locating our sixth gigafactory in Kokomo. The BEVs coming to our North America brands play an important role in our drive to offer clean, safe and affordable mobility for all and achieve the bold goal of carbon net zero by 2038.”
Mark Stewart, Stellantis COO North America
See Also:
- Stellantis presents the Ram 1500 REV in Super Bowl, partners Samsung for Indiana Battery plant
- Stellantis confirms plans to build an EV battery plant in Indiana alongside Samsung
- Stellantis officially opens its first battery tech hub in Italy
- Stellantis to produce electric vehicles at its Cassino factory in Italy
- Stellantis needs two more North American battery plants by 2030
Stellantis aims to have electric vehicles account for 100% of its passenger car vehicle sales in Europe under its Dare Forward 2030. That target drops to 50% for its electric passenger car and light-duty truck in the US in the same period.
All these considered, the automaker is seeking to secure about 400 GWh of total battery capacity.
