Novi-based Our Next Energy (ONE) has begun pilot production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells just one year after the company announced a $1.6 billion investment to build ONE Circle, its first-ever battery manufacturing campus in Van Buren Township.
“Producing our first cells at ONE Circle is an important milestone for our company to meet our customers’ demand for domestically produced LFP cells for stationary storage and electric vehicles,” says Mujeeb Ijaz, founder and CEO of ONE. “Cells produced at ONE Circle are expected to be fully IRA compliant while eliminating nickel and cobalt, delivering a path toward our vision of a North American supply chain.”
ONE was founded in 2020 with the mission of doubling the distance electric vehicles (EVs) can travel using safer, more sustainable materials.
The company states it uses safe, sustainable, low-cost battery chemistries for consumer and commercial EVs, in addition to developing technology for stationary storage, particularly around utility-scale energy storage systems.
One goal of the program is dedicated to the long-term vision of achieving vertical integration for American energy storage manufacturing by working to develop a robust and resilient domestic supply chain for critical minerals.
The latest announcement builds on other achievements for ONE and the state of Michigan, including national recognition for the ONE Circle project and the company’s involvement in the state’s talent recruitment efforts to support the growing EV industry.
Earlier in 2023, Michigan kicked off the nation’s largest-ever campaign through its EV/Mobility Talent Action Team to promote careers and recruit talent to fill jobs in Michigan’s growing EV and transportation mobility sector.
ONE is among the 15 Michigan employers engaged in the public-private partnership with public universities and community colleges as part of the state’s recruitment efforts, and one of eight employers participating in the Michigander EV Scholars Program. Michigan’s focus on talent initiatives is one of the main reasons why ONE chose Michigan for its 2022 investment.
“We are grateful that Our Next Energy has chosen to Make It in Michigan and Team Michigan congratulates them on this important milestone,” says Quentin L. Messer Jr. CEO of Michigan Development Corp.
“Our work continues as we remain the leader in clean energy solutions and advanced manufacturing innovation. We look forward to partnering with Our Next Energy as it and the ecosystem that it is catalyzing continue to bring the latest in cutting-edge battery technologies to market.”
To learn more about how Michigan is striving to help lead the future of mobility and electrification, visit here.
