Powering progress: Panasonic’s new EV battery facility in De Soto, Kansas

A new chapter in American advanced manufacturing

Panasonic Energy has officially expanded its U.S. manufacturing footprint with the opening of a new, state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery facility in De Soto, Kansas. This milestone represents a major investment in domestic production capacity and reinforces Panasonic’s long-term commitment to supporting the evolving needs of the EV industry.

Building on the success of our Gigafactory in Sparks, Nevada – where Panasonic has produced over 11 billion EV battery cells since 2017 – the De Soto facility is designed to help meet the growing demand for high-capacity, high-performance batteries across North America. The facility strengthens our ability to scale innovation, enhance supply chain resilience, and support our partners in delivering next-generation mobility solutions.

By the numbers: Panasonic Energy in North America

• 32 GWh – Planned annual production capacity of the De Soto facility
• 4,000 – Estimated number of new jobs created by the factory
• 5.7 million  – The approximate number of battery cells Panasonic’s U.S. operations produce a day at the Sparks, Nevada facility—that’s around 70 battery cells each second
• 100+ years – Panasonic’s legacy in battery innovation and manufacturing
• 4.7 million – The footprint of the De Soto plant in square feet, which is expected to be the world’s largest automotive battery facility 

A strategic investment in innovation and growth

Located at the Astra Enterprise Park, the De Soto facility will manufacture Panasonic’s advanced 2170 cylindrical lithium-ion batteries. With a planned annual production capacity of approximately 32 gigawatt-hours (GWh), this factory will play a critical role in supporting the next generation of electric vehicles.

Why it matters

Panasonic Energy’s De Soto facility is more than a manufacturing site – it’s a strategic hub for innovation, workforce development, and supply chain advancement. Here’s why this investment is significant:

Key facts

• Largest private investment in Kansas history – a significant commitment to long-term regional development.
• Up to 4,000 new jobs – supporting workforce expansion and economic opportunity in the region.
• Strategic location – Kansas was selected for its skilled labor pool, central geography, and robust infrastructure – all critical to building a resilient and efficient supply chain.
• Advanced automation – The factory integrates cutting-edge robotics, including rail-guided and autonomous guided vehicles, to streamline operations and logistics.
• Engineering precision – From cathode mixing and coating to slitting and assembly, the facility uses advanced processes to ensure consistency, safety, and performance at every stage.

About Panasonic Energy

Panasonic Energy can trace its roots back to Osaka, Japan in 1923 with the invention of a battery for bicycle lamps. Over the past century, it has grown into a global leader in lithium-ion battery technology, known for its expertise in both cell innovation and large-scale manufacturing. Today, the company supplies advanced batteries to many of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, delivering high energy density, cost efficiency, and performance.

In 2014, Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America (PECNA) was established to bring this expertise to the U.S. market. Since 2017, PECNA has produced battery cells at the Gigafactory in Sparks, Nevada, supporting one of the world’s most prominent EV manufacturers. With over 4,000 employees and more than 11 billion battery cells delivered, Panasonic Energy continues to expand its U.S. operations – including the new facility in De Soto, Kansas – to meet growing demand and support the future of advanced manufacturing.

Join the movement

Panasonic is proud to invest in American manufacturing and innovation. Whether you're an industry partner, a job seeker, or simply curious about the future of clean energy, we invite you to learn more about our work and how you can be part of it.