Batteries for electric vehicles are manufactured by connecting several cells and a bus bar to form a single module. Dozens of modules are then assembled into a battery pack.

According to an old saying, “what goes up must come down.” Unfortunately, that’s not true for either a helium-filled balloon or helium used in leak testing applications.

JOT Automation Inc. has overhauled a production line to assemble and test battery packs for electric vehicles and renewable energy projects.

ETOWAH, TN—Piedmont Lithium is building a $600 million factory here that is scheduled to start production in 2026 and could produce enough lithium hydroxide to make 600,000 batteries annually.

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX—Tesla has begun construction of a $1 billion factory here to produce lithium hydroxide for electric vehicle batteries. 

The need to extend the range of electric vehicles is pushing automakers to adopt higher battery voltages. Most passenger EVs are powered by a 400-volt battery pack, while electric buses and trucks are powered by 600-volt battery packs. 

SEOUL—General Motors Co. and Samsung SDI plan to invest more than $3 billion to build a new battery cell manufacturing plant in the United States that is targeted to begin operations in 2026.

SEOUL—Hyundai Motor Group plans to set up an electric vehicle (EV) battery cell production joint venture in the U.S. with partner SK On.

JACKSON, TN—6K Energy, the cathode materials production division of 6K Inc., plans to establish a full-scale PlusCAM battery material manufacturing plant here. The $250 million project is expected to create 230 jobs in Madison County.

SENECA, SC—BorgWarner Inc. is investing $42 million to expand its battery factory here.