The United States is immediately embarking on its own “import substitution” program. The three largest South Korean EV battery companies plan to build 11 traction battery plants in the US by 2026, mostly in cooperation with US EV manufacturers.

Image Source: Ford

Thus, LG Energy Solution plans to build six production bases in the US by 2026. Among Korean battery manufacturers, this is the most active player, constantly expanding its production.

LG Energy Solution has already set up a joint venture with General Motors, Ultium Cells, with a plant with a production capacity of 35 GWh or more already underway in Ohio and a second plant (35 GWh or more) in Tennessee. The third plant (more than 50 GWh) is due to start mass production in Michigan in 2025. The plan for the construction of another plant will be discussed in detail this year. In addition, the company is building an independent cylindrical battery facility in Arizona and plans to expand its own manufacturing facility in Michigan.

SK On plans to build four battery plants in the US. The company is already building 129 GWh facilities in Kentucky and Tennessee. Blue Oval SK’s joint business is being implemented with Ford, with work due to begin in 2025.

In addition, Sk On is building two of its own plants in Georgia. It is known that the Hyundai Motor Group plans to build an electric vehicle plant in the same state, so it is very likely that these businesses will cooperate in this state.

Samsung SDI has decided to establish a joint traction battery business with Stellantis. It is planned to begin production of battery cells in the US in 2025. When construction is completed, the production capacity will be 23 GWh. In the future, production will be expanded to 40 GWh.