Volkswagen’s battery subsidiary, PowerCo, has achieved a significant milestone for its electric vehicle (EV) battery gigafactory in St. Thomas, Ontario. The company’s Chief Production Officer, Sebastian Wolf, announced today the completion of the site preparation, paving the way for groundbreaking and the start of construction next month.
The St. Thomas Gigafactory, set to be PowerCo’s largest and first North American facility with an estimated investment of up to C$7 billion by 2030, will have an annual production capacity of up to 90 GWh in its final expansion phase.
The factory’s location in St. Thomas, Ontario, covers an area of approximately 370 acres, equivalent to more than 210 soccer fields.
PowerCo Canada Inc., the North American entity overseeing all battery company activities, has been established in Canada. The company has initiated partnerships with the province of Ontario, the City of St. Thomas, and local colleges to prepare the Canadian workforce for the emerging EV and EV battery industries.
The St. Thomas Gigafactory is set to commence production in 2027, with an anticipated peak workforce of around 3,000 people. PowerCo says the factory will be powered by 100% CO2-free energy.
As PowerCo prepares for the groundbreaking of the St. Thomas Gigafactory, the company has already started to engage with local suppliers and organizations to introduce potential partners to its sourcing strategy.
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