In the bustling city of Osaka, Japan, a significant announcement was made by Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., an entity within the Panasonic Group. Aiming to enhance the production capacity of electric vehicle (EV) batteries in North America, Panasonic Energy has entered into a pivotal long-term agreement with H&T Recharge, a powerhouse in battery component manufacturing based in Marsberg, Germany.
Long-Standing Collaboration Leads to Expansion
The collaboration between Panasonic Energy and H&T is not new, having begun back in 2017. Successfully helping to power Panasonic Energy’s Nevada operation with roughly 40 GWh of battery can capacity per year, the partnership now grows to include the forthcoming Kansas facility of Panasonic Energy, which eyes commencement by March 2025.
H&T’s commitment to innovation and quality is evident, as they plan to roll out sophisticated production lines designed to cater to around 30 GWh of annual battery can demand for the Kansas site. The move is a clear boost to Panasonic Energy’s objective of fortifying battery safety and reliability across their EV offerings.
Emphasizing Safety and Performance in EV Batteries
In the realm of EVs, where consumer demand is escalating, Panasonic Energy is vigorously advancing production volumes and pushing the boundaries of battery performance and lifespan to support longer drives. A paramount aspect of their commitment is battery safety—essential to prevent thermal runaway incidents, which are crucial during the battery modularization for EV installation. Here, Panasonic’s lithium-ion batteries stand out due to their targeted design and manufacturing, focusing on an integrated approach that involves every cell component, especially the battery cans.
Innovative Manufacturing for Consistent Quality
Complementing Panasonic’s safety priorities are the state-of-the-art manufacturing tactics of H&T, marked by an arsenal of in-house deep drawing press and tool design prowess, alongside a rich history of high-volume serial can production. With a spotlight on North America, H&T assures a seamless and automated process for mass production, which spells consistent quality and efficiency.
Strategic Localization of Supplies
The conjoined forces of Panasonic Energy and H&T reflect a strategic endeavor to intensify local battery components sourcing in North America. This alliance won’t just meet local demand more robustly but will also help shrink Panasonic’s environmental impact and shipping expenses, thanks to the speculated Kansas presence of H&T.
Panasonic Energy’s Vision for a Sustainable Future
Armed with cutting-edge battery technology and vast industry knowledge, Panasonic Energy continues to forge ties with diverse partners across the globe. Their mission: to expand the lithium-ion battery sector and chart a course toward a greener, more sustainable society.
