Our Next Energy Inc. (ONE), a Michigan-based battery maker, has announced the commencement of production for its domestically made lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells. This development comes a year after the company pledged to establish ONE Circle, a 20 GWh battery factory complex in Van Buren Township, Michigan.
ONE is producing the LFP cells on its pilot line, which allows the company to validate its production-intent cells, develop workforce training, and provide samples to customers for testing. The company plans to launch a larger multi-GWh scale LFP line next year.
ONE is also manufacturing cells for commercial truck and utility grid segments, with plans to begin delivering cells to customers for performance and durability validation in the first half of 2024.
“The start of cell production at ONE Circle is a significant step toward establishing an LFP battery industry in the U.S. supported by a North American supply chain,” said Mujeeb Ijaz, CEO & founder of ONE. “With Michigan-made LFP cells, ONE is eliminating dependence on nickel and cobalt while addressing the major needs of automakers – range, safety and domestic supply chain.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her excitement about the development, stating, “Michigan is leading the future of advanced manufacturing, and we are thrilled that homegrown battery-maker Our Next Energy is starting production of their new cells right here in our state.”
ONE announced its plan to invest $1.6 billion in ONE Circle last October, supported by $200 million in grants from the State of Michigan. By the end of 2027, ONE Circle is expected to produce enough cells to build the equivalent of 200,000 electric vehicle battery packs annually.
Production of ONE’s Aries LFP battery packs began earlier this year on a dedicated product line at Piston Automotive in southeast Michigan. More information about ONE and its products is available at one.ai.
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