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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 exterior rendering of the CIBI facility Phase 1 entrance rendering with stairs and canopy Phase 1 exterior rendering from the parking area
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.
Wide exterior rendering of the expanded CIBI facility Front view rendering of the expanded CIBI facility Interior lobby rendering of the expanded CIBI facility
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.
Daytime exterior rendering of the completed Phase 3 CIBI building Nighttime exterior rendering of the completed Phase 3 CIBI building Front elevation rendering of the completed Phase 3 CIBI building Interior lobby rendering of the completed Phase 3 CIBI 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.

Timeline dates and renderings represent projected development milestones for the Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation.

 

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