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Sion Power Expands Tucson, Arizona, EV Battery Plant

12/08/2022
Sion Power Corporation, a leading technology developer of next-generation batteries for electric vehicles, plans to expand its existing manufacturing operations in Tucson, Arizona. The $341 million project is expected to create 150 jobs.

The investment will consist of a new 111,400-square-foot building, equipped with fully automated battery cell production capabilities, including proprietary lithium-metal anode manufacturing, cell assembly, and testing. The expansion is scheduled for completion by 2026. The company’s headquarters will remain nearby at 2900 E. Elvira Rd., doubling its footprint.

“The global construction of battery manufacturing plants is occurring at a rapid pace, and the United States can’t be left behind,” said Tracy Kelley, CEO of Sion Power. “With our facility expansion in Tucson, Arizona, it will allow Sion Power to further our mission of scaling battery manufacturing from research and development to commercialization. This enables us to better serve our customers and their applications.”

Sion Power is a privately owned company that began as a spin-off from Brookhaven National Laboratory in 1989 as Moltech, which focused its efforts on research and development. The critical component of the company’s battery is the proprietary anode technology which is a key differentiator and enabler within the next-generation rechargeable battery market and is capable of delivering up to 500 Wh/kg.

“Sion Power’s expansion further emphasizes Arizona’s global leadership in battery and EV technologies,” noted Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). “We are excited Sion Power will continue its impressive legacy in Tucson, manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles while expanding Arizona’s battery supply chain.”

Project partners include the Arizona Commerce Authority, Pima County, City of Tucson, and Sun Corridor Inc. Potential City of Tucson incentives are under review and subject to final approval by Council.

“Beyond business attraction, another critical aspect to economic development success is to help local headquarter companies like Sion Power expand,” added Joe Snell, President and CEO of Sun Corridor Inc. “We’re thrilled to see this expansion include innovative and next-gen technologies that offer high-skilled jobs to our community.”

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