US-based ENTEK Lithium Separators has announced it has been issued a conditional loan of $1.2 billion by the US Department of Energy’s loans office to finance a plant in Indiana, for making lithium-ion battery separators used in EVs.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

In a release, the firm said the project will support around 1.9 million mid-size EVs or 1.3 million electric SUVS. The plant, in Terre Haute, Indiana, is expected to create more than 760 construction jobs and 635 operational jobs.

The project will strengthen and onshore the lithium-ion battery cell supply chain, enabling the creation of batteries used in advanced technology vehicles for EV propulsion.

ENTEK CEO Larry Keith said: “For forty years, ENTEK has been serving the battery separator needs of its customers with a commitment to productivity and innovation that our customers require for their battery applications.”

If finalised, the loan would be offered through the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program that has $40 billion in direct lending authority, according to Reuters.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

ENTEK added that domestic EV manufacturing has surged in response to the massive growth in the domestic and global EV markets and the financial incentives recently made available under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

It says it aims to become the US’s first end-to-end, domestic supplier of “wet process” battery separators for the North American lithium-ion EV battery market.

Just Auto Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Auto Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving automotive industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now