NextStar Energy completes construction of $5-billion EV battery plant

Core Insights - NextStar Energy has completed the construction of its $5 billion electric vehicle battery plant in Windsor, Ontario, receiving its Occupancy Permit on September 30, marking the transition to operations [1][2] - The plant has an annual production capacity of 49.5 gigawatt hours, sufficient to power approximately 450,000 electric vehicles, and will supply batteries to Stellantis facilities in North America [2] - The project has created over 950 full-time jobs to date, with a commitment to generate a total of 2,500 jobs [2][3] Investment and Economic Impact - The $5 billion investment positions NextStar Energy at the forefront of electrification, contributing to growth and development in Windsor and Essex County [3] - The construction of the facility, which spans 4.23 million square feet, began in 2022 and involved over 9,000 Canadian trades workers who contributed more than 8.4 million work hours [3][4] - The project faced a temporary halt due to funding disputes between the company and the Canadian government, but has since progressed to completion [4] Facility Details - The site consists of 11 buildings, including two main manufacturing facilities for cell and module production, along with support buildings such as a recycling center and safety testing laboratory [5] - While minor construction activities are ongoing in non-operational areas, the facility is fully approved for safe occupancy and ready for production [5]