Panasonic Energy Partners With University Of Kansas For Next-Gen EV Battery Development

Panasonic Energy has announced a partnership with the University of Kansas (KU) to develop next-generation electric vehicle (EV) battery technologies and cultivate local talent.

In detail, the partnership comes as Panasonic Energy builds its second North American battery plant in De Soto, Kansas, aimed to be the world’s largest battery manufacturing plant upon completion.

The new plant, projected to start production by the end of March 2025, will focus on producing 2170 cells and have an annual production capacity of around 30 GWh. As a result, this expansion is crucial to Panasonic Energy’s strategy to increase its EV battery production capacity in North America.

As for KU, it brings to the table innovative research capabilities and an energy and battery-related research lab. Moreover, the partnership aims to leverage KU’s academic prowess and Panasonic Energy’s extensive expertise in battery development and manufacturing to drive innovation in battery-related technology.

Building Kansas’ EV Hub

Furthermore, the partnership aims to generate employment in the De Soto area and surrounding economic zones of Kansas, where it projects to contribute to the enhancement of U.S. manufacturing while supporting the goal of reducing CO2 emissions through increased EV adoption.

As discussions between Panasonic Energy and the University of Kansas continue with more details of their partnership initiatives will be determined, both entities will solidify Kansas’s position as a hub for EV battery innovation and production.

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