LG Energy Solutions (LGES) announced last year plans to open an electric vehicle (EV) battery factory in Arizona. Before construction began LGES put the project on hold, saying it was reviewing the plant, and others, due to the “unprecedented economic conditions and investment circumstances in the United States.”
While the project hasn’t been shelved yet it appears as though LGES is trying to secure Tesla as a customer for the EV batteries set to be produced at the Arizona plant. In a statement on Friday LGES said it was still reviewing its potential investment in the state, adding that it was in “active discussions” with Tesla and other EV automakers to supply batteries. (via Reuters) LGES currently supplies Tesla with EV batteries in China, but not in the US.
When news of the project was first reported last year, potential customers included Lucid, Proterra, and even potentially Phillip Morris for batteries for their e-cigarettes. The facility was set to have an annual production capacity of 11 GWh, with mass production beginning in 2024.
While this Arizona plant has yet to receive final approval and begin construction, LGES has several other projects around the US on the go. The company is currently building three plants with General Motors, a plant with Stellantis and is planning to expand its Michigan factory.
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