German battery maker Akasol has recently announced that it will establish a new plant near Detroit in the United States. It plans to start producing power batteries at the plant next year, mainly for electric trucks and buses, with an estimated annual production capacity of 400MWh. This will require an investment of about two million euros over five years, and the Michigan state government will benefit the plant.
It is understood that the plant will initially produce lithium-ion-based AKASystem OEM PRC commercial vehicle power batteries, which Akasol claims is the first system compatible with standard plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) modules from all major manufacturers. The system is available in 25 kWh and 33 kWh versions.
Akasol said it will focus on "high energy density battery systems." The company estimates that one-third of its plant's output will flow to existing customers, including a well-known Swedish truck and bus manufacturer, while it is actively looking for customers in North America.
Akasol CEO Sven Schultz said the new plant is a core component of the company's international expansion strategy. Schultz believes that with its unique battery expertise from the module to the system level, and the fact that it is already mass producing batteries for leading companies in the market, Akasol is gradually becoming the European market leader in battery systems for commercial vehicles.
The company believes that Michigan has "modern manufacturing" and "strong supply chains." However, the company did not give particular emphasis on where the parts for battery production will come from.