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StarPlus Energy invests $5.7B for
two lithium-ion battery plants in Kokomo

Kokomo, Indiana, is set to become a hub for electric vehicle battery manufacturing with the establishment of Stellantis’ and Samsung SDI’s North American production plants. Through the joint venture named StarPlus Energy, these companies are investing over $5.7 billion in constructing two state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery facilities. This significant investment underscores Kokomo’s long history as a leading auto manufacturing city in the nation’s electric vehicle future.

The first plant, announced in May 2022 with an initial investment of $2.5 billion, will mark a pivotal milestone as the region’s inaugural electric vehicle battery production site. This multimillion-square-foot facility is part of Stellantis’ ambitious Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, aimed at transitioning a substantial portion of its vehicle lineup to electric power by the end of the decade. By then, all of Stellantis’ passenger car sales in Europe and half of its U.S. passenger car and light truck sales will be electric.

Following this groundbreaking announcement, StarPlus Energy revealed in October 2023 its plan to invest an additional $3.2 billion in a second battery manufacturing facility in Kokomo. Together, these facilities will not only create 2,800 new jobs but also supply battery modules for various vehicles manufactured across Stellantis’ North American assembly plants. This move aligns with Stellantis’ strategy to boost its annual electric vehicle sales to 5 million units by 2030, supported by an expanded battery capacity of approximately 400 GWh across multiple manufacturing sites and supply agreements.

Both plants will be situated within the industrial park area previously secured by the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance, Howard County and the City of Kokomo.

Construction is currently underway with production operations planned to launch in the first quarter of 2025 for the first plant and 2027 for the second.

The first plant aims to have an initial annual production capacity of 33 gigawatt hours, with the second having 34 GWh.

The first plant will be located at 2644 N. 50 East, just southeast of the Kokomo Engine Plant, at what was planned to be the city’s 1st multi-tenant industrial park. The second plant will be adjacent to the first.

The two plants will create a combined 2,800 jobs. Hiring has already begun.

A Closer Look at Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 Strategic Plan

The planned Kokomo facilities being constructed by StarPlus Energy (the joint venture between Stellantis and Samsung SDI) is part of a long-term electrification strategy to invest $35 billion through 2025 in electrification and software globally.

As part of the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, Stellantis announced plans of reaching a 100% passenger car battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales mix in Europe and 50% passenger car and light-duty truck BEV sales mix in the United States by 2030. To achieve these sales targets, the Company is securing approximately 400 GWh of battery capacity. Stellantis is on track to become a carbon net zero corporation by 2038, all scopes included, with single-digit percentage compensation of remaining emissions.

Local and State Officials React to Development in Kokomo

Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore

“The addition of this second battery plant will solidify Kokomo as one of the largest electric vehicle battery producers in North America and shows that Kokomo continues to remain on the cutting edge of advanced automotive manufacturing.”

Alliance President/CEO Lori Dukes

“These investments not only secure Kokomo’s legacy in automotive excellence but also opens new opportunities for sustainable growth and economic development in the region. Kokomo will pave the way for cutting-edge technologies in electric and autonomous vehicles.”

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb

“[These investments] puts Hoosiers squarely at the center of innovating and developing the future of mobility, catalyzing Indiana’s leadership position in tomorrow’s global economy.”

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