ABF to build USD-1.2bn battery cell factory in Arizona, plans more

American Battery Factory (ABF) intends to build a series of giga-scale battery cell manufacturing facilities across the US, starting with a USD-1.2-billion (EUR 1.15bn) plant in Tucson, Arizona.

The company has selected a site of around 2 million sq ft (185,806 sq m) to construct its maiden production base, which will also host its headquarters. The factory is set to become the US’ largest manufacturing facility for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, ABF said on Tuesday.

Cells from the new plant will be offered to consumers, households, business owners and electric utilities. The manufacturer says that the use of nickel and cobalt is avoided in the production of its batteries and claims that they last twice as more as other types of batteries.

ABF estimates that its initial project will have an economic impact worth USD 3.1 billion. Initially, the plant will open 300 job positions and will later employ up to 1,000 people. The headquarters will house office premises and a research and development centre. Together with the initial factory module, they are planned to be built within the next 18-24 months.

Major cell components for the production will be sourced from Celgard, while Anovion will supply synthetic graphite. Honeywell is planned to provide automation, cybersecurity and optimization products and services.

(USD 1.0 = EUR 0.955)

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!