Amplify Cell Technologies has broken ground on a manufacturing plant in Mississippi that will make lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery cells for the commercial vehicle sector. The announcement follows the formation of the joint venture by Cummins’ zero-emission unit Accelera, Daimler Trucks and Buses US, and Paccar.

Amplify Cell Tech ground breaking Mississippi

Amplify Cell Technologies board members and invited guests broke ground on the future site of its battery cell manufacturing plant 

The 200-hectare site in Marshall Country will be home to an 18.5-hectare battery facility with an annual manufacturing capacity of 21 GWh. Amplify plans to begin battery cell production in 2027 and is expected to create more than 2,000 manufacturing jobs. 

The company said that LFP battery cell chemistry had been chosen for its durability and cost-effectiveness. It said localising the battery supply chain made it more robust and responsive to the needs of the growing electric commercial vehicle market in North America.

“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 US senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. “This joint venture is not only a major job booster for Mississippi, but sets an example for future endeavours in the transportation industry.”

Accelera, Daimler Truck and Paccar each have a 30% share in the joint venture and together have committed $2-3 billion, with technology partner EVE Energy taking a 10% ownership share. 

Kel Kearns, CEO of Amplify Cell Technologies, said the start of construction signified a collective effort to to decarbonise US highways and interstates and that together the partners would lead the transformation of the commercial vehicle sector.

Accelera is already working with Isuzu on plans to launch a battery electric powertrain for the commercial vehicle maker’s F-series in North America. The Cummins subsidiary said the medium-duty truck is expected in 2026 and will include Accelera’s LFP battery technology.

Meanwhile, Daimler Truck North America is already working with its transport provider Salem Carriers to deliver inbound parts on electric trucks in the US Carolinas. Salem Carriers transports parts between truckmakers manufacturing sites, supply chain hubs and supplier locations across the two states, and is using DTNA’s Freightliner eCascadia trucks on daily inbound routes.

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