ENTEK, a leading manufacturer in the battery industry, has secured a loan to finance a new facility in Terre Haute, Indiana to manufacture lithium-ion battery separators. These separators are crucial components used primarily in electric vehicles (EVs), enhancing the domestic supply chain for lithium-ion battery cells.
With the goal of supporting the production of batteries used in advanced technology vehicles for EV propulsion, ENTEK CEO Larry Keith expressed excitement about the project, highlighting the company’s commitment to innovation and productivity.
Battery separators play a vital role in the performance and safety of lithium-ion batteries, preventing electronic conduction between the anode and cathode while allowing ionic conduction. ENTEK’s expertise in equipment design, process technologies, and materials science positions them as the ideal company to lead the expansion of separator manufacturing in the US.
The project is expected to create jobs, with a focus on hiring local labor and providing training programs in collaboration with educational institutions and community organizations. Additionally, ENTEK’s partnership with KORE Power will ensure a reliable supply of battery separators for energy storage applications.
This initiative aligns with President Biden’s agenda to invest in domestic manufacturing technologies critical for achieving the administration’s goal of zero-emissions vehicles. With the surge in domestic and global EV markets, ENTEK aims to become the first end-to-end, domestic supplier of wet process battery separators for the North American lithium-ion EV battery market.
While the Department of Energy has provided a conditional commitment to finance the project, ENTEK must meet certain conditions before finalizing the loan. This project represents a significant step towards onshoring and strengthening the domestic EV battery supply chain, contributing to a safer and more sustainable transportation system for the future.
