The first major Ontario battery manufacturing plant for electric vehicles (EVs) will be built in Windsor, Ontario, by LG Energy Solutions and Stellantis, a multinational auto manufacturer. Together, LG Energy Solutions and Stellantis will invest $5 billion in this project to stimulate battery manufacturing power for EVs in Ontario, Canada, and on a global scale.
“LG Energy Solution, together with Stellantis and the Canadian and Ontario Governments, are confident they will set a solid foundation in setting up a battery value-chain in the region, speeding up the green energy transition. Through this joint venture, LG Energy Solution will be able to position itself as a critical player in building green energy value chains in the region. Creating a joint venture battery manufacturing company in Canada, recognized as one of the leading nations in renewable energy resources, is key for LG Energy Solution as we aim to power more electric vehicles around the world.”
Youngsoo Kwon CEO of LG Energy Solution
This move marks the largest electric vehicle investment in automotive manufacturing in Ontario’s history and will have significant benefits for the province’s economy. Opportunities include, but are not limited to, significant employment opportunities as the facility will be hiring up to 2,500 employees in a variety of roles such as engineering, administration, line worker positions, and more. This electric vehicle facility will also have significant impacts on Ontario’s contribution to the North American auto market as countries take steps to transition from gas to EV cars.
“Through our Driving Prosperity auto plan, strategic investments across our integrated supply chains, and by reducing the cost of doing business in Ontario by nearly $7 billion annually, our government is staking Ontario’s claim as a leader in the emerging North American EV battery industry. By harnessing advanced manufacturing processes and emerging technologies, and leveraging the critical mineral wealth in Northern Ontario, our province has what it takes to develop and build the car of the future, and the batteries those cars need.”
Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
With a production capacity of 45 gigawatt hours (GWh), Stellantis will supply batteries to its customers in North America. During the first quarter of 2024, production operations will begin after construction activities are completed later this year. Construction is expected to be completed by 2025.
Government Funding for Electric Vehicles and Battery Technology
LG Energy Solutions and Stellantis investing in a Windsor facility with the support of the Ontario and Canadian governments represents a commitment to the province’s Driving Prosperity plan, designed to position the province as North America’s leader in advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
“Stellantis is Windsor’s largest employer and has a rich history in this community. Chrysler began operations in this community in 1925 and has employed generations of Windsor–Essex workers at its facility. With this announcement, we are securing the future for thousands more local workers and securing Windsor’s strategic location as the home of Canada’s electric vehicle future.”
Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor
However, there are many more investment opportunities available for Canadian businesses looking to invest in auto-related projects. Some of the top government funding opportunities available to Canadian electric vehicles and other auto businesses include:
- Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP);
- Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED);and
- Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) WinterTech Development Program.
Although these opportunities represented popular opportunities for Canadian businesses in the auto sector, this is by no means an exhaustive list. To see a more comprehensive review of the top government funding for Canadian electric vehicles and auto manufacturers, visit our Automotive Funding Programs Directory.
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