The first facility, announced in May 2022, is set to begin production this month, while the second facility, revealed in 2023, is scheduled to commence operations in 2028.
Federal Investment in EV Infrastructure
The DOE’s loan to StarPlus Energy follows its recent $6.5 billion loan commitment to Rivian New Horizon LLC for the construction of a massive EV manufacturing facility in Georgia. Both loans reflect the federal government’s dedication to accelerating the transition to clean energy and reinforcing the U.S. EV supply chain.
Stellantis’ Vision Amid Leadership Changes
The announcement came shortly after Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares resigned, amid reports of declining vehicle sales. Stellantis, known for brands such as Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, and Peugeot, has pledged to electrify its fleet in the coming years, with the Kokomo plants playing a pivotal role in achieving this goal.
A Stellantis spokesperson highlighted the importance of the Kokomo operations, stating:
“The StarPlus operation in Kokomo, Indiana, will play an important role in our drive to offer clean, safe, and affordable mobility options to our customers, with batteries made in the U.S. by American workers.”
