“Stellantis Announces Plans for a Second Battery Plant in Kokomo, Indiana”
Stellantis is set to embark on the construction of a second battery plant in Kokomo, Indiana, in partnership with Samsung SDI. The joint venture aims to establish a new US StarPlus Energy Gigafactory, bolstering the supply of batteries for electric vehicles such as the 2025 Ram 1500 REV BEV and the 2024 Charger Daytona SRT Electric Muscle Car.
This second Stellantis StarPlus Energy Gigafactory represents a substantial investment, exceeding $3.2 billion. It will be located near the existing Kokomo facility, with a combined annual production capacity estimated at 67 gigawatt hours. Production at the second plant is scheduled to commence in 2027, creating 1,400 new jobs. The overall investment across both facilities will surpass $6.3 billion and generate a total of 2,800 new job opportunities. Stellantis has additional battery plants in the pipeline globally, with one already announced for Windsor, Canada.
Mark Stewart, Stellantis COO North America, emphasized the significance of this venture, stating, “Our battery ecosystem is the foundation of our electrification strategy, and our great partners Samsung SDI, the state of Indiana, and the city of Kokomo have created a compelling case for locating our sixth gigafactory in Kokomo.” He added that electric vehicles (BEVs) are vital in their commitment to providing clean, safe, and affordable mobility while striving for carbon net zero by 2038.
Yoon-ho Choi, President, and CEO of Samsung SDI, highlighted their involvement in this significant project, stating, “Through the construction of the second battery plant of StarPlus Energy, Samsung SDI will be establishing its largest production base for electric-vehicle batteries in North America.” He expressed expectations that Stellantis brand vehicles powered by Samsung SDI batteries would accelerate the transition to electric vehicles in the United States.
Notably, the announcement did not mention the United Auto Workers (UAW), currently involved in strikes with Detroit-based automakers, and seeking to organize battery production facilities.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb applauded the commitment of Stellantis and Samsung SDI, emphasizing the substantial impact it would have on the local economy. He stated, “This decision puts Hoosiers squarely at the center of innovating and developing the future of mobility, catalyzing Indiana’s leadership position in tomorrow’s global economy.”
Stellantis has faced criticism for a perceived slow start in electric vehicle production. The Ram 1500 REV BEV, for instance, will arrive two years after competitors like the Ford F-150 Lightning, while Chevrolet’s Silverado EV is expected to launch later this year. As part of their Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, Stellantis aims to achieve a 50% passenger-car and light-duty truck BEV sales mix in the United States by 2030. The company is also planning a smaller, fully electric SUV under the Wagoneer brand, known as the Wagoneer S, and an electric version of the Jeep Recon SUV.
In summary, Stellantis’s venture into a second battery plant in Kokomo, Indiana, signifies a pivotal step in their electrification strategy, with a strong focus on boosting electric vehicle production in the United States.
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