Tesla's supplier, Panasonic, plans to build a new electric vehicle (EV) battery plant, specifically the largest in the world, in Kansas.
The new Panasonic EV battery factory reportedly seeks to produce the new high-capacity 4680 cells of the Elon Musk-led automaker, Tesla.
CORTE MADERA, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 27: Brand new Tesla cars sit in a parking lot at a Tesla showroom on June 27, 2022 in Corte Madera, California.
Tesla Supplier Panasonic to Build EV Battery Plant in Kansas
As per a news story by Engadget, the major supplier of EV batteries for Tesla announced that it is planning to build its next plant at a former ammunition factory near the city of De Soto.
The Governor of Kansas, Democrat Laura Kelly, says it is "the largest private investment in Kansas history and one of the largest EV battery manufacturing plants of its kind in the country."
Panasonic also disclosed that it has already inked a whopping $4 billion investment deal with the state of Kansas to work on the most extensive battery facility.
Panasonic EV Battery Plant and Jobs
The Kansas Governor expects the upcoming Panasonic EV battery plant to provide roughly "8,000 high-quality jobs."
Kelly adds in her press conference that the world's largest EV battery factory should give its residents "better lives for themselves and their children."
The figures that the Governor of Kansas gave are twice the previous prediction of the local media in the said state.
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 20: In an aerial view, Tesla cars sit parked in a lot at the Tesla factory on April 20, 2022 in Fremont, California.
As per the latest report by CNBC, the local news outlet Kansas City Star says in its story that the new Panasonic battery factory is expected to draw roughly 4,000 jobs. However, the Governor herself gives a much larger number.
Meanwhile, according to a recent report by Nikkei Asia, the battery supplier Panasonic plans to build its massive facility in Kansas as it takes on the challenge of producing high-capacity cells for the giant EV maker.
It is worth noting that Panasonic is already producing batteries at the Gigafactory Texas in Reno, Nevada, thanks to its joint venture with Tesla.
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Tesla EV Battery
CNBC notes in the same report that the renowned EV maker, Tesla, is increasingly demanding more battery cells these days, as it plans to ramp up its production even more.
The Musk-led automaker debuted newly-open factories, such as the Gigafactory in Texas and Berlin to make its ambitions a reality.
FUERSTENWALDE, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 03: Tesla head Elon Musk arrives to have a look at the construction site of the new Tesla Gigafactory near Berlin on September 03, 2020 near Gruenheide, Germany.
The giant all-electric car maker achieved a total shipment of more than 900,000 last year or in 2021. It is a significant increase from its performance way back in 2020.
The close rivals of Tesla, namely Ford and General Motors (GM) are also shelling out hefty investments to build their EV battery facilities. Their aggressive investments come as both long-time automakers ramp up their all-electric offerings.
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