Summary
- American Battery Factory (ABF) is partnering with Chinese manufacturer KAN Battery to develop a pilot line of battery cells at its facility
- ABF will receive training in analytics and machining for its workforce, refine battery cell production, and launch ABF China as part of the collaboration
- ABF and KAN Battery will run an initial 1 GWh factory line in China to produce high-capacity prismatic cells
- ABF plans to complete its first gigafactory in Tucson, Arizona in the second half of 2026, including a headquarters, R&D center, and a 2 x 2 GWh factory module
- ABF aims to bring lithium iron phosphate prismatic cells to its US gigafactory for full-scale production by working with KAN Battery and incorporating the latest manufacturing and chemistry innovations
Article
American Battery Factory (ABF) has partnered with Chinese manufacturer KAN Battery to develop a pilot line of battery cells at its facility in order to accelerate its US production launch. As part of this collaboration, ABF will receive training in the latest analytics and machining for its workforce, refine its battery cell production process, and launch its subsidiary ABF China. The partnership will also involve running an initial 1 GWh factory line in China to produce high-capacity prismatic cells with outputs ranging from 105 to 300 Ah.
By refining the production process and collaborating with KAN Battery, ABF aims to start production at scale immediately, supplying select battery cells to off-takers such as Lion Energy ahead of its full US cell production. The company plans to bring together its expertise in machining, battery chemistry, and business analytics to prepare for the construction of its first gigafactory in Tucson, Arizona. This facility is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026 and will include the company’s headquarters, an R&D innovation center, and the initial 2 x 2 GWh factory module.
ABF’s battery cells are designed to last up to 10,000 life cycles or an average of 20-30 years, offering a long-lasting and reliable energy storage solution. The company’s President, John Kem, emphasized the importance of developing a domestic supply chain for battery cell production in the United States. He believes that partnering with KAN Battery will allow ABF to bring expertise back to the US, train American workers with the latest manufacturing and chemistry innovations, and ultimately bring their line of lithium iron phosphate prismatic cells to their US gigafactory for full-scale production.
The collaboration between ABF and KAN Battery signifies a strategic move towards strengthening the US’s position in the battery manufacturing industry and catching up to global leaders in the field. By partnering with a reputable Chinese manufacturer and leveraging their combined expertise, ABF aims to bridge the gap in battery cell production capabilities and create a more sustainable domestic supply chain. This initiative will not only accelerate the production launch of ABF’s US gigafactory but also contribute to advancements in battery technology and energy storage solutions.
The development of the pilot line in China and the subsequent production at scale represent significant milestones in ABF’s journey towards establishing itself as a key player in the battery manufacturing market. By focusing on refining their production processes, training their workforce in the latest technologies, and partnering with industry leaders like KAN Battery, ABF is positioning itself for success in the growing renewable energy sector. The company’s commitment to longevity, reliability, and sustainability in their battery cells highlights their dedication to providing high-quality energy storage solutions for a wide range of applications.
Overall, the partnership between ABF and KAN Battery underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving advancements in the battery manufacturing industry. By leveraging each other’s strengths and expertise, the two companies are working towards creating a more robust and competitive ecosystem for battery production in the US. As ABF continues to expand its operations and bring its innovative lithium iron phosphate prismatic cells to market, it is poised to make a significant impact on the renewable energy landscape and contribute to the transition towards a more sustainable future.
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