NextStar Energy represents a strategic joint venture between LG Energy Solution and Stellantis, established to create Canada’s first large-scale lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility. Located in Windsor, Ontario, the company is investing over $5 billion CAD to develop a state-of-the-art production site spanning 4.23 million square feet. This facility aims to achieve an annual production capacity of 49.5 gigawatt-hours, sufficient to power approximately 450,000 vehicles annually. The company’s emphasis on sustainable practices and advanced manufacturing processes positions it as a significant contributor to North America’s electric vehicle industry growth.
Battery Technology
NextStar Energy specializes in manufacturing lithium-ion battery cells and modules for electric vehicles. The company’s production process incorporates advanced manufacturing techniques and quality control measures to ensure consistent, high-performance battery solutions. The Windsor facility implements innovative assembly methods for both cell production and module integration.
The manufacturing capabilities include specialized production lines for battery cell assembly, which will begin operations in the first quarter of 2025. These cells serve as the fundamental building blocks for the battery modules, which are already in production. Each module consists of multiple cells arranged and connected to optimize performance and energy density.
The company benefits from LG Energy Solution’s extensive intellectual property portfolio, accessing over 41,000 patents and technical innovations. This technological foundation enables NextStar Energy to produce batteries that meet rigorous safety standards while delivering reliable performance for electric vehicles. The manufacturing process emphasizes efficiency and sustainability, incorporating automated systems and quality control measures throughout the production cycle.
Recent Projects
In early 2024, NextStar Energy achieved significant progress with its Windsor facility construction, reaching 87% completion. The company initiated battery module production, marking an essential operational milestone. The workforce development program has successfully recruited approximately 450 employees, with ongoing hiring to reach the projected 2,500 positions. Current negotiations with Unifor Local 444 focus on establishing the first collective agreement for hourly workers, demonstrating the company’s commitment to strong labor relations.
Investors
The primary investors in NextStar Energy are LG Energy Solution and Stellantis, with substantial support from Canadian government entities. The project receives funding and assistance from municipal, provincial, and federal levels of the Canadian government, contributing to its $5 billion CAD investment structure. This public-private partnership model strengthens the company’s position in North America’s electric vehicle supply chain.
Business Details
Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Website: https://nextstar-energy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/96087732
