About Panasonic
Founded in Japan, Panasonic has over 100 years of experience in electronics, manufacturing and developing high-quality technology solutions. Panasonic is a pioneer in battery technology, serving as a leading battery supplier in the global market for hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full-electric vehicles (EVs). Panasonic has been operating in the United States for more than 60 years, supporting 16,000 U.S. jobs. In addition to being the nation’s largest producer of EV batteries, Panasonic is in a range of other industry sectors, such as: aviation in-flight displays, digital connectivity and avionics maintenance; automotive systems and components; cold-storage refrigeration solutions; TOUGHBOOKS®; and audio/visual technologies.Panasonic Energy’s U.S. Footprint
Panasonic is committed to the U.S. market and continues to invest substantial resources to support the company’s growth and innovation as well as partnerships leading to a more robust, secure, and sustainable North American battery supply chain. In Sparks, Nevada, Panasonic Energy operates the world’s largest EV battery factory, producing nearly 40 gigawatt hours of advanced lithium-ion batteries per year and employing over 4,000 workers. In 2024, Panasonic Energy surpassed 10 billion batteries shipped – and currently produces about 2 billion annually. Additionally, Panasonic has invested in a world class research and development facility in downtown Reno that will support ongoing materials innovation and continuous improvement in battery performance.
In 2022, Panasonic Energy broke ground on a $4 billion, 30 gigawatt-hour EV battery factory in De Soto, Kansas, to produce advanced lithium-ion batteries, which will generate about 4,000 jobs. Panasonic expects to ramp up to 200 gigawatt hours of manufacturing capacity globally, which will further encourage the growth of related upstream and downstream sectors in the region and beyond. Panasonic is committed to the U.S. market and, despite volatility, envision continued, long-term demand for EV batteries.
Workforce
Panasonic has a robust workforce training program and is proud to have partnered with groups in Nevada and Kansas to grow the STEM and advanced manufacturing workforce. A prime example is the Advanced Manufacturing Training Center at the Truckee Meadows Community College, located in Reno.Battery Technology
Panasonic Energy is the global leader in manufacturing cylindrical lithium-ion cells, adhering to the highest safety and quality standards. Panasonic has leveraged over 20 years of design knowledge to create a battery cell with built-in safety features that protect both production workers and EV drivers. Furthermore, Panasonic’s high-nickel cathode chemistry provides longer range and higher energy density, delivering the performance American drivers prefer. These premium cells typically serve mid- to high-end vehicles and have powered the early growth and excitement around EVs in the United States. The most common alternatives are lithium-iron-phosphate and prismatic batteries, which come with a lower cost, but at the price of shorter range and less durability. Chinese battery manufacturers are known for using these designs.
Competition
The key challenge facing the entire EV battery manufacturing industry is building a competitive and resilient supply chain that allows U.S.-based companies to compete globally and meet growing demand. As the largest domestic producer of EV batteries, Panasonic Energy is working to de-risk and strengthen the resiliency of our supply chains by supporting and qualifying new North American suppliers. Given the high safety standards in the automotive industry, it can take years to certify and comply with the technical specifications and volumes required by Panasonic.
China’s domestic supply chain and manufacturing base have long been subsidized, resulting in a fully scaled and efficient manufacturing ecosystem, but one that lacks the high safety and environmental standards of the U.S. market. Given appropriate policy support, the United States now has the opportunity to meet the challenges brought by the Chinese manufacturing sector and build a robust, fair, and technologically superior domestic battery and automotive industry.