Panasonic Energy of North America (PENA) is a leading manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries, operating within Tesla’s Gigafactory in Sparks, Nevada. Since beginning operations in 2017, the company has produced over six billion cells for electric vehicles and other applications. PENA’s mission centers on advancing sustainable energy solutions through the production of high-quality, efficient battery cells. The company maintains strong partnerships with major electric vehicle manufacturers, including Tesla and Lucid Motors, while continuously expanding its production capabilities to meet growing market demands.
Battery Technology
PENA specializes in manufacturing cylindrical lithium-ion cells, with a focus on automotive applications. The company produces several battery formats, including the established 1865 and 2170 models, known for their reliability and performance in electric vehicles. A significant technological advancement is the development of 4680 battery cells, scheduled for production in early 2025, which promise increased energy density and improved vehicle range.
The company’s technical innovations extend to materials science, demonstrated by its partnership with Sila for next-generation silicon anode materials. This collaboration aims to enhance battery performance by incorporating higher proportions of silicon in place of traditional graphite. PENA also maintains agreements with NOVONIX for sustainable graphite supplies, showing its commitment to environmentally conscious manufacturing processes.
The manufacturing processes at PENA incorporate advanced quality control systems and automated production lines, ensuring consistent output while maintaining high safety standards. These systems are essential for meeting the demanding specifications required for automotive applications.
Recent Projects
As of early 2025, PENA’s most significant development is the construction of a 300-acre manufacturing facility in De Soto, Kansas. This $4 billion project will increase Panasonic’s global lithium-ion battery capacity by 60% when it opens in Spring 2025. The facility will employ 4,000-4,500 people and focus on producing 2170 cylindrical batteries for electric vehicles. Additionally, PENA has established partnerships with Redwood Materials for battery recycling and implemented new sustainability initiatives under the Panasonic GREEN IMPACT mission, targeting net-zero CO2 emissions by 2030.
Business Details
Location: Newark, New Jersey, USA
Website: https://panasonicnv.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18290736
