AESC Launches New EV Battery Gigafactory in UK

AESC has launched its new electric vehicle battery gigafactory in Sunderland, United Kingdom, with production now officially underway. The new 15.8 GWh facility will manufacture lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles produced in the UK and will support the launch of the next-generation Nissan LEAF. The opening marks the culmination of more than a decade of experience supplying British-made EV batteries to the UK automotive industry.

Central to the Sunderland operation is the largest clean room in the UK, where AESC manufactures its advanced battery cells to the highest quality standards. The controlled environment meets conditions comparable to those of a hospital operating room, underscoring the precision and quality required for next-generation battery production.

Once fully operational, AESC’s UK workforce is expected to grow to approximately 1,000 employees, representing a fourfold increase since the company established its original Sunderland operations in 2019. Over that period, AESC has invested more than £1 billion in the UK, reinforcing its long-term commitment to domestic battery manufacturing and supply chain development.

Commenting on the launch, AESC UK Plant Director Jim Marley said the new gigafactory represents a significant advance in battery technology and will help elevate the electrification of the British automotive industry. He noted that AESC’s original Sunderland gigafactory was the first of its kind in Europe, and the new Plant 2 will help anchor a resilient and globally competitive EV supply chain for the UK. Earlier this year, AESC also supported the launch of the National Battery Academy in partnership with New College Durham and Newcastle University to help develop skills and train the region’s future EV battery manufacturing workforce.

Founded in Japan in 2007, AESC has been at the forefront of battery innovation, supporting the global transition to zero-emission mobility and sustainable energy solutions. Headquartered in Yokohama, the company operates a global network of facilities across the U.S., U.K., Europe, China, and Japan. Its advanced battery technologies power more than one million electric vehicles and support energy storage systems in over 60 countries. As a trusted partner to leading automotive manufacturers and energy providers worldwide, AESC continues to advance a cleaner, more connected future through innovation, reliability, and a strong commitment to sustainability.

For more information, visit www.aesc-group.com.