Amplify Cell Technologies board members and distinguished guests break ground on the joint venture’s new battery cell manufacturing plant in Mississippi. (Photo: Business Wire)

MARSHALL COUNTY, Miss.—Amplify Cell Technologies, a joint venture between Accelera, Daimler Trucks & Buses U.S. Holding LLC, and PACCAR, recently broke ground at its new battery cell manufacturing plant in Marshall County, Mississippi, according to a release from Amplify Cell Technologies.

The 500-acre site will be home to a 2,000,000-square-foot, energy efficient facility with an annual manufacturing capacity of 21-gigawatt hours (GWh) for the production of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery cells. Amplify plans to begin battery cell production in 2027 and is expected to create more than 2,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs, the company said in the release.

“I am thrilled to be here with so many of our partners to break ground on this new battery cell manufacturing facility in Marshall County,” said Kel Kearns, CEO of Amplify Cell Technologies, in the release. “United in the mission to decarbonize our highways and interstates, our founding partners are making a serious commitment. Marking the start of construction on site signifies this collective effort, and together we will lead the transformation of the commercial transportation industry.”

Leaders from Accelera, Daimler, and PACCAR were joined by State of Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, and local officials to celebrate the groundbreaking.

“Mississippi is incredibly excited to welcome this historic private sector investment from the new joint venture between Accelera, Daimler Truck, and PACCAR,” said Governor Tate Reeves, in a statement. “This project is the largest payroll commitment in state history, and it will bring an incredible 2,000 new jobs to this community. This fantastic investment from these industry leaders will help to further charge Mississippi’s electric economy.”

The new facility will produce LFP battery cells, a cell chemistry chosen for its durability and cost-effectiveness. This initiative will localize the battery supply chain, making it more robust and responsive to the needs of the growing electric commercial vehicle market in North America, according Amplify.

“As the transportation industry evolves and energy demands grow, it’s crucial that we have American facilities producing the materials and technologies necessary to meet those needs,” said Senator Hyde-Smith, in the release. “This joint venture is not only a major job booster for Mississippi but sets an example for future endeavors in the transportation industry. I am thrilled to see this project take off, as it will increase competition in the market, boost the local economy, and provide jobs for our state.”

“This project will change thousands of lives in North Mississippi,” Senator Roger Wicker added. “Major development decisions are never made lightly, but Mississippi was chosen for this investment for a reason. Our business-friendly climate is attracting investment at a record level. I expect this trend to continue and look forward to more economic development groundbreaking ceremonies in our state.”

Accelera, Daimler Truck, and PACCAR are reported to have committed a combined $2 billion  to $3 billion investment in the joint venture, and each own 30 percent of Amplify Cell Technologies. With 10 percent ownership, EVE Energy serves as the technology partner and contributes its battery cell design and manufacturing expertise to the venture. The company is described as “a global technology leader in the manufacture of LFP battery cells for the vehicle industry.”

All of the partners are committed to leading the commercial vehicle industry’s transition to zero-emissions technologies and reducing carbon emissions, consistent with the Paris Climate Agreement, the release stated.