Manufacturing
Building the Future of Battery Manufacturing
The Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation is expanding to become a premier hub for battery manufacturing, testing, and research. Scroll down to see how CIBI is growing!
Phase 1 Renderings
2027
Complete 2027
Phase 1: Building the Foundation
Complete 2027
Phase 1 lays the groundwork for cutting-edge battery testing and production, transforming 20,000 sq. ft. into a state-of-the-art research and manufacturing space.
Key Features of Phase 1
- USC Board of Trustees Approval – Phase 1 has received approval to move the facility vision forward.
- Renovated Facility – 20,000 sq. ft. will be transformed into a modern research and manufacturing space.
- Advanced Testing Areas – New dry room, battery testing areas, and office space will support expanded work.
- Industry & Community Resource – The facility will support collaboration with industry partners and the broader community.
- Cell Capabilities – Phase 1 will house pouch (5 Ah), cylindrical (21700), and prismatic capabilities.
- Professional Staffing – Full-time professional staff will support facility operations and user needs.
Construction Vision
2028
Projected 2028
Phase 2: Construction & Expansion
Projected 2028
Phase 2 focuses on the physical expansion of CIBI, moving toward a larger, connected facility designed to bring USC battery activities into one shared space.
Construction Focus
- Expanded Facility Footprint – CIBI will grow toward an 85,000 sq. ft. institute designed for research, manufacturing, testing, and training.
- Unified Battery Activities – The expansion will bring USC battery activities under one roof.
- New Lab Infrastructure – Wet and dry lab spaces will support a broader range of research and production needs.
- Testing Zones – New battery testing zones will expand the institute’s ability to support advanced research and industry partnerships.
- Workforce Spaces – New classrooms will support hands-on education, workforce development, and skill-building.
Phase 3 Capabilities
2029
Coming 2029
Phase 3: Capabilities for the Future
Coming 2029
Phase 3 centers on the capabilities enabled by CIBI’s expanded footprint, positioning the institute as a premier public hub for battery manufacturing, testing, research, and workforce development.
Future Capabilities
- Expanded Research & Manufacturing – All USC battery activities under one roof.
- Industry-Leading Dry Rooms & Labs – Wet and dry labs, office space, and new battery testing zones.
- Training & Workforce Development – New classrooms for hands-on education and skill-building.
- Advanced Battery Manufacturing – Coin cell, small pouch cell production, and module assembly/testing.
- Destructive Testing & Characterization – World-class analysis and safety research.
Why does this facility matter for manufacturing?
CIBI’s new facility will create a powerful pipeline from research to real-world manufacturing, ensuring South Carolina remains at the forefront of battery innovation.
How This Leads to Manufacturing
| 🔬 Research & Development | 🎓 Training the Workforce | 🏭 Real-World Manufacturing |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting-edge battery materials & technology | Hands-on training & collaboration with industry | Large-scale battery cell production & testing |