Envision AESC signs new partnership with BMW Group for production and supply of battery cells.

*This press release is an abridged version of the press release issued on October 20, 2022.

October 19, 2022, Envision AESC, a global leader in electric vehicle battery technology in Japan, announced a new multi-year partnership to supply state-of-the-art battery cells for BMW Group’s next-generation electric vehicles.

Envision AESC has decided to invest in a dedicated 30 GWh battery manufacturing plant in South Carolina to support production, which will be powered by 100% net zero carbon energy. The company is currently in the process of finalizing a suitable location close to BMW Group’s vehicle production and battery assembly facilities.

As part of the agreement, Envision AESC will supply technologically advanced battery cells with an energy density extension of 20 %向上し、充電速度が速く、航続距離が最大30%for new electric vehicle models to be produced at BMW Group’s Spartanburg plant by 2030.

The new battery plant, in addition to the existing battery manufacturing plant in Tennessee and a plant under construction in Kentucky, will provide up to 70 GWh of capacity nationwide, boosting the transition to electric vehicles in the U.S. By expanding its U.S. footprint, Envision AESC will be able to leverage technology innovation, electric vehicle battery supply chain development, and cost competitiveness to make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible for the mainstream U.S. market.

Shoichi Matsumoto, Chief Executive Officer of Envision AESC, stated. We are pleased to partner with the BMW Group as part of the next stage of growth for our U.S. operations.” Our new 30 GWh battery plant in South Carolina will use state-of-the-art technology to produce high-density, lightweight, high-performance batteries that can travel farther and faster without the need for recharging. As we move into our next phase, we are as committed as ever to working with our customers and strategic partners to drive innovation and continually push the boundaries of performance, safety, and efficiency.

“We are pleased to have found a partner in Envision AESC that will supply the Spartanburg plant with high-performance battery cells in the future,” said Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG and responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network. The new round cells, designed specifically for the electric drive architecture of our next generation models, will enable us to increase range and driving performance and reduce charging times,” said Joachim Post, Member of the Board and Head of Purchasing and Supplier Network at BMW AG. “At the same time, both companies are firmly committed to sustainable and environmentally responsible behavior.”

As part of the company’s global commitment to sustainability, Envision AESC will leverage superior net zero system solutions from across its business, including renewable energy generation, carbon reduction through AIoT energy management systems, and battery recycling, The company plans to accelerate its carbon neutrality throughout the battery value chain.

Envision AESC is committed to sourcing its critical battery components – cobalt, lithium, and nickel – from certified mines, providing full transparency on extraction methods, and ensuring responsible mining. The company is increasing its reliance on recycled materials, which will help reduce CO2 emissions associated with cell production at the new plant.

Jeff Deaton, Managing Director of Envision AESC, USA, stated. “This project represents a shared vision of Envision AESC and the BMW Group to accelerate the global transition to carbon neutral transportation. Our planned new battery plant and supporting ecosystem in South Carolina will be a catalyst for further investment in the regional supply chain and full lifecycle opportunities for batteries, renewable energy systems and digital solutions to support the U.S. decarbonization, growth and renewal agenda. It will also create thousands of high-value green jobs across the entire battery lifecycle, from storage and reuse to smart charging and closed-loop recycling. We are very excited to launch this initiative, and we look forward to working with you to help us achieve this goal.

Since its founding in 2007, Envision AESC has invested heavily in technology R&D to support growth and has established 12 manufacturing facilities around the world to fulfill its commitment to reach 300 GWh worldwide by 2026. We will continue to focus on next-generation technologies and drive innovation to deliver pioneering batteries with high performance, maximum efficiency, and a 100% safety record.

About Envision AESC

Envision AESC is a global battery technology company headquartered in Zama, Japan, that researches, develops, designs, manufactures, and markets batteries for EV power and energy storage, Envision AESC has 12 manufacturing facilities and 5,600 employees in Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and China. Over the past 12 years, Envision AESC has produced more than 650,000 power batteries for electric vehicles in 44 countries and achieved a record of “zero critical battery failures.

The company’s team is working to continuously improve the company’s global leadership in product development, quality, and sustainable processes. in June 2021, Envision AESC was again named a “Global Tier 1 Battery Company” by Benchmark, a leading research organization for the lithium-ion battery supply chain based in the United Kingdom. Benchmark once again named it a “Global Tier 1 Battery Company”.

For more information, please visit the company website.