Battery manufacturer SK Battery America has announced a workforce reduction of 958 employees at its Commerce, Georgia, facility, representing approximately 37% of the plant’s staff. According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filed by the company, affected employees will continue to receive pay through May 6, after which the plant will operate with about 1,600 workers.
The Commerce plant, which began operations in January 2022 following a $2.6 billion investment, has supplied battery cells for several electric vehicle models, including a fully electric pickup truck whose production was later discontinued. The layoffs reflect shifting automaker electrification strategies and evolving consumer demand for electric vehicles.
“SK Battery America remains committed to Georgia and to building a robust U.S. supply chain for advanced battery manufacturing,” Collier said. “We are pursuing a range of future customers, including the Battery Energy Storage System arena.”
SK Battery America previously partnered with a major U.S. automaker in joint ventures totaling more than $11.4 billion but ended that collaboration in December. The company continues to supply batteries to other global automakers and, along with a different automotive partner, is advancing a separate $5 billion battery factory near Cartersville, Georgia.
Georgia has attracted substantial investment in electric vehicle and battery production in recent years, supported by federal incentives from recent climate legislation. Projects announced through 2024 in the state exceeded $20 billion, promising over 25,000 jobs. While some firms have adjusted operations, others—such as a leading solar manufacturer—have resumed normal production after temporary workforce reductions.
Electric vehicles accounted for about 8% of new vehicle sales in the U.S. in 2025, remaining level with the previous year. Automakers are reassessing their electrification plans amid slow EV adoption rates, with some shifting focus to hybrid and plug-in hybrid models to address consumer concerns over driving range and charging infrastructure. Changes in federal incentives have also played a role in shaping both manufacturer and consumer decisions.
Source: The Associated Press
