Phase 1: Building the Foundation
Complete 2026
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 Approved
- Renovated 20,000 sq. ft. facility
- Advanced dry room, battery testing areas, & office space
- Industry collaboration & community resource
- Will house pouch (5 Ah), cylindrical (21700), prismatic
- Full-time professional staff
Phase 2: Expanding for the Future
Coming 2028
Phase 2 is a game-changer—expanding to 85,000 sq. ft. and making CIBI the premier public battery institute in the U.S.
What's coming in Phase 2?
- 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 |