Electric Vehicle Industry Expands In Tennessee

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The Tennessee Conservative Staff –

The electric vehicle manufacturing industry continues to expand in Tennessee as several companies create or add new jobs across the state.

Dongwha Electrolyte, 6K Energy, Tritium, and Ultium have all recently released plans to increase business with the state, working alongside car manufacturers Nissan, GM, and Ford to increase the production of electric vehicles.

South Korea-based Dongwha Electrolyte plans to construct a 35,000 square foot facility in Clarksville to produce electrolyte material that is used in the power source of an electric vehicle. The company broke ground on June 6, making this their first plant in the United States. They plan to create 68 new jobs and invest $70 million in Clarksville.

6K Energy plans to create 230 new jobs in Jackson when they open a manufacturing facility for their cathode active materials. These materials are produced for electric vehicle batteries.

Tritium opened their DC faster charger manufacturing facility in 2022 in Lebanon with 500 available jobs. They have plans to add another 250 jobs at this location.

Ultium Cells LLC obtained a $2.5 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy to open new lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing plants in Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee. The location opening in Spring Hill is expected to bring in 3700 new jobs. Ultium is set to provide the batteries for the Cadillac LYRIQ – GM’s first electric vehicle – produced at the General Motors Spring Hill plant.

As these companies all work to expand across the state, several groups are working together to create Fast Charge TN, a network of 80 locations with a total of 200 fast chargers located on interstates and major highways in TVA’s service area. This is a joint effort of The Tennessee Valley Authority, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and Seven States Power Corporation.