Novonix agrees to partnership with large auto manufacturer
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A battery manufacturing plant in Chattanooga has entered into an important new partnership.
Novonix came to Chattanooga in 2021, and aims to be a critical part of American energy independence.
Their production of synthetic graphite has positioned them into a partnership with one of the largest auto manufacturers, which they say is a huge win for the country.
Dr. Chris Burns, Novonix’s CEO, said, “Battery driven graphite, the global market has almost relied exclusively on China.”
Novonix has agreed to supply synthetic graphite to Stellantis.
Stellantis owns numerous auto brands including Chrysler and Dodge.
The synthetic graphite produced here in Chattanooga will help power the battery cells of new electric vehicles.
Dr. Burns said, “It’s a binding contract volume of about 86,000 tons of graphite per year and our facility in downtown Chattanooga will produce about 20,000 tons per year.”
Up until recently, the world’s supply of this material was almost exclusively dominated by China.
Novonix believes that the sector is poised for strong growth even as a new President comes into office, as they received a $100 million dollar federal grant earlier this year.
Dr. Burns said, “We’re focused on things that are bipartisan. We are focused on energy independence, creating local manufacturing jobs, and lowering our reliance on China. So we expect to see continued support for this sector as we go through an administration change. We just expect to see a different approach to moving this industry forward.”
With this announcement, Novonix’s total investment into the Chattanooga plant is roughly $400 million dollars.
They expect to continue expanding in our region.
Dr. Burns said, “Of course we are looking at expansion beyond just our riverside facility because we see strong demand for these products. Not just from Panasonic and Stellantis, but from many others across the industry. We are looking at other sites in Tennessee and across the southeast that can support our expansion capabilities as well.”
Novonix anticipates this announcement creating more jobs, of which there will be over 300 once the plant reaches its full capacity, and currently has multiple job openings.
