Electric vehicle battery manufacturer to build $800M Florence plant, create over 1,000 jobs
By Christina Lee Knauss
cknauss@scbiznews.com
Envision AESC, a Japan-based major manufacturer of electric vehicle battery technology, will invest $810 million to build a battery cell gigafactory in Florence County. The project will create an estimated 1,170 new jobs and support the company's multi-year partnership with the BMW Group, according to a news release.
AESC will supply battery cells to be used in next generation electric vehicle models produced at BMW's plant in Spartanburg. The advanced battery format will result in 20% more energy density than the current generation, reduce charging time and increase range and efficiency for electric vehicles by 30%, according to company officials.
The plant will measure approximately 1.5 million square feet and will be located in an 870-acre technology and commerce park in Florence.
"South Carolina has been an automotive manufacturing powerhouse for over 30 years, and Envision AESC's decision to establish operations in Florence County and to create thousands of jobs shows that we will continue to be one for years to come," said S.C. Governor Henry McMaster, who was present for Envision's announcement which took place Tuesday, Dec. 6 at Francis Marion University in Florence.
"Our partnership with Florence County is part of our next phase battery strategy to power next generation EVs in the U.S.," AESC Group CEO Shoichi Matsumoto said in a statement. "This facility is another milestone on our journey to building an electrification network in the U.S. and strengthens our commitment to grow the electrification supply chain while providing high value jobs for the community for years to come."
The new battery plant builds on AESC's existing United States network that includes a battery manufacturing plant in Tennessee and a plant under construction in Kentucky.
Reach Christina Lee Knauss at 803-753-4327.