ONE begins pilot production of LFP cells

Our Next Energy Inc. (ONE), a Michigan-based energy storage technology company, has started production of domestically made lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells. The start of cell production comes one year after the commitment to launch ONE Circle, a 20 GWh battery factory complex in Van Buren Township, Mich.

(Photo: ONE)

“The start of cell production at ONE Circle is a major step toward establishing an LFP battery industry in the U.S. supported by a North American supply chain,” said Mujeeb Ijaz, CEO and founder of ONE. “With Michigan-made LFP cells, ONE is eliminating dependence on nickel and cobalt while addressing the major needs of automakers – range, safety and domestic supply chain.”

ONE is manufacturing the LFP cells using the company’s pilot line. The line allows it to validate its production intent cells and develop workforce training, while sharing samples with customers for their testing purposes. ONE will launch a larger multi-GWh scale LFP line next year.

Last October, ONE announced its plan to invest a $1.6 billion in ONE Circle, supported by $200 million in grants from the State of Michigan. When operating at capacity by the end of 2027, ONE Circle expects to create enough cells to build the equivalent of 200,000 electric vehicle battery packs annually.

“We are grateful that Our Next Energy has chosen to Make It in Michigan and Team Michigan congratulates them on this important milestone,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “Our work continues as we remain the leader in clean energy solutions and advanced manufacturing innovation. We look forward to partnering with Our Next Energy as it and the ecosystem that it is catalyzing continue to bring the latest in cutting-edge battery technologies to market.”

Production of ONE’s Aries LFP battery packs began earlier this year on a dedicated product line at Piston Automotive in southeast Michigan.