EVE Energy North America plans to build a research and development (R&D) facility in Lewis Center, Ohio that will focus on the design, testing and storage of lithium-ion batteries.
The company says it will receive a $1 million Research and Development Center Grant from JobsOhio, the state's private economic development corporation, to help fund the expansion. Through this grant, EVE expects its advanced energy storage system to become a reliable source for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and residential and utility power.
“We would like to thank JobsOhio for the support,” said John Wu, General Manager, Eve Energy North America Corporation. “EVE will develop its R&D Center for green energy in Central Ohio and work to grow the new energy production for contribution to EV and energy storage application.”
The R&D center will include a solar-powered liquid cooling energy storage cabinet and will be used to develop new laser welding techniques for battery assembly. EVE's proprietary energy storage technology can support the full life cycle of lithium-ion batteries, which can last up to 20 years in some cases.
“By investing in Ohio, visionary companies like EVE Energy North America are able to advance research on how to best store and progress lithium-ion batteries for the future,” said J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio President and CEO. “Working with our regional network partners at One Columbus, we’re ensuring that Ohio is ready to house this breakthrough technology – powering the future of EV through advanced energy storage.”
EVE will also invest at least $5.7 million in equipment, machinery, building renovations and construction. The project is expected to create 12 new jobs.
EVE Energy North America is a subsidiary of Chinese battery manufacturer EVE Energy.