by LG ChemKR
Localise North American battery cathode supply and prove economies at scale, supporting North American EV production and reducing Asia-supply dependence.
Under construction in Tennessee. Start-up 2026 with flexible timing based on customer demand.
Updated Jan 2026Checked 11 Oct0 updates this week
Receives refined precursor compounds, blended in precise ratios and heated to fuse into cathode crystals.
Precursors mixed in agitated reactors, calcined at 800–900°C to form NCMA oxide crystals. Temperature and atmosphere tightly controlled.
Cathode crystals coated with thin oxide layer (aluminium oxide) to prevent electrolyte degradation. Trace dopants improve cycle life.
Finished cathode tested for purity, particle size, density, electrochemical performance. Packed and shipped to battery makers.
| Spec | Clarksville cathode plant (NCMA) |
|---|---|
| Annual NCMA capacity | 60 kt/yrR (reported) |
| Total capital investment | \$1.6BR (reported) |
| GM multi-year offtake | 950 kt cathode equivalentR (reported) |
| Energy density (NCMA) | 200–220 Wh/kgE (estimated) |
R reported by the company · E our estimate
LG Chem
Lithium-ion batteries, cathode materials, NCMA
South Korea's largest chemical company and major EV battery cell and cathode materials manufacturer. Building North America's largest NCMA cathode plant (60 kt/yr) in Clarksville, Tennessee, for \$1.6B, serving GM and Toyota.
