Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cell manufacturer American Battery Factory (ABF) said it will establish its first battery cell gigafactory in Tucson, Arizona. The $1.2 billion investment in the project is expected to create 300 jobs initially and 1,000 cumulatively.
ABF has plans for a network of LFP battery gigafactories in the US, as BEST reported in March.
Forthcoming agreements and the first of the planned 3GWh to 15GWh manufacturing sites will be announced in the coming months.
ABF said the LFP battery cell chemistry it will employ avoids the use of nickel and cobalt, making its materials more ethically sourced. It claimed its materials will last more than double the average performance of other batteries.
The 2 million square-feet site will be located on 267 acres in Pima County’s Aerospace Research Campus. It will be the company’s official headquarters. Construction is planned for completion in 18–24 months.
Joe Snell, president & CEO of Sun Corridor, said: “This marquee project catapults Tucson into the national spotlight, ensuring this region has a prominent place in the energy storage and EV manufacturing supply chain being developed right here. With key advancements from ABF, Tucson will be a cutting-edge leader ushering in new EV technology and improved energy storage efficiency.”
The Arizona Sun Corridor is a megaregion in southern Arizona. It is one of the fastest growing areas in the US, with some estimates that it will double its population by 2040.
