USA – Microvast Holdings Inc (Microvast) of Stafford, Texas, a global leader in the design, development and manufacture of lithium-ion battery solutions for both automobile and stationary applications, is in the process of constructing a new manufacturing facility in Clarksville, Tennessee. The new facility is part of Microvast's ongoing effort to expand its U.S. presence, helping secure North America’s domestic battery production. The production lines are expected to begin operation in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Microvast’s Clarksville facility is expected to have an initial production capacity of up to 2.0 Gigawatt hours (GWh) per year, with additional capacity expected to be built up in 2024-2025. “With the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the demand is there, and we’re excited about our expansion plans,” said Bill Muir, Microvast’s Vice President of Manufacturing. The Clarksville facility includes approximately 82 acres of land, providing immediate additional expansion opportunities and anticipated future manufacturing capacity of up to 8 GWh annually. The ongoing development of the new facility is expected to generate hundreds of new jobs within Clarksville and be a boon for the region.

The new building features over 650,000 square feet of manufacturing space. Its production process will include cell manufacturing through module assembly, allowing the facility to be utilized for both the electric commercial vehicle sector and new energy storage products.

Proposed battery cell mixing area at Clarkesville

Prior to its acquisition by Microvast, this facility was used to produce vehicle brakes, so it is equipped with the proper foundational support for the weight of Microvast’s heavy battery manufacturing equipment. Even so, preparing the site for battery manufacturing required extensive renovation work which has lasted well over a year. The process included conducting multiple environmental tests, performing extensive cleaning, and creating suitable environmentally controlled, contaminant-free “dry rooms.” 

The manufacturing facility features a brand-new, approximately 60,000 square-foot high-quality lab. Microvast is equipping this lab with a range of testing equipment to help ensure quality and safety. “We’re dedicated to stringent quality testing, helping to guarantee our customers receive the high-quality batteries Microvast is known for,” explained Steven Longard, Microvast’s Global Vice President of Quality Assurance. “Our commitment to quality is reflected in every aspect of our operations, and we will continue to make significant investments to maintain the highest standards possible.”

Clarksville to focus on manufacturing Microvast’s HpCO-53.5Ah battery cells and modules

The Clarksville plant will be fully automated to help ensure quality and consistency in product. The production lines will be focused on producing the HpCO-53.5Ah, Microvast’s high-performance battery cell.

Proposed battery cell assembly area at Clarkesville

The HpCO-53.5Ah battery cell’s impressive energy density of 235 Wh/kg, a lifespan that can exceed 5,000 cycles at 25℃, and the 53.5Ah NMC Li-ion pouch cell have made it in high demand. “The 53.5Ah cell exemplifies an optimal balance between exceptional energy density and extended cycle life, providing our customers with significant competitive advantages, including rapid charging capability, increased driving range, superior safety, enhanced driving power, and a battery service life that corresponds with the vehicle's operational life,” stated Dr. Wenjuan Mattis, Chief Technology Officer at Microvast. The HpCO-53.5Ah cell can operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 55°C and charge to 80% capacity in just 48 minutes at room temperature. The cell’s fast-charging capabilities provide an unmatched technical performance for a wide range of commercial and specialty applications.

Microvast also incorporated the HpCO-53.5Ah cell into its ME-4300-UL Utility-Scale Energy Storage System (ESS), which launched late last year. The 53.5Ah cells manufactured at the Clarksville facility are expected to benefit from the IRA energy tax credit structures to support renewable energy development.

Microvast’s U.S. footprint is growing

Clarksville, Tennessee, is not Microvast’s only new location in the U.S. In 2016, Microvast opened a Battery Research and Development facility in Orlando, Florida. Following on the heels of the Florida opening, Microvast opened a Technology and Testing Center for its Energy Division in Colorado. And in the first quarter of 2023, Microvast announced the location of its new separator manufacturing plant in Kentucky. “We’re growing quickly to keep up with the high demand of our battery products,” explained Muir. “We’re proud to be doing our part in securing domestic battery production.”

About Microvast 

Microvast was founded in Houston, Texas, in 2006. A research and technology driven company, Microvast has evolved into a global leader in the design, development, and manufacture of lithium-ion battery solutions for both automobile and stationary applications.

Microvast provides a large portfolio of fast-charging lithium-ion battery solutions, with varying chemistries, performance characteristics, and price points, to meet the diverse requirements of its customer base. 

The company says it has become renowned for its cutting-edge cell technology and its vertical integration capabilities extending from core battery chemistry to modules and packs.

Since placing its first battery systems into operation in electric buses more than a decade ago, Microvast has expanded its business to serve a broad range of commercial, passenger, and specialty vehicles, including mining, material handling, and power vehicles and equipment, as well as grid-scale energy storage applications.

The company has manufacturing facilities on three continents (China, Europe and North America), ensuring the ability to manufacture lithium-ion batteries for all key commercial vehicle markets. The Clarksville manufacturing facility is the latest in a long line of projects representing Microvast's commitment to excellence.