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JOLIET, 22 July 2023: The Lion Electric Company marks a groundbreaking moment in the electric vehicle (EV) industry with the official opening of its massive 900,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Joliet, Illinois.
This facility is now the largest all-electric plant in the United States dedicated to the production of medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Strategically located an hour away from Chicago, the plant is expected to achieve a remarkable manufacturing capacity of 2,500 all-electric school buses by the end of 2023. At its full potential, the facility has the capability to produce 20,000 vehicles annually, including both buses and trucks, requiring around 1,400 skilled workers.
The decision to establish the facility in Illinois stems from the state’s rich resources, its central proximity to customers and domestic suppliers, and its shared vision of embracing a more sustainable future. Marc Bédard, CEO-Founder of Lion Electric, emphasised that they are paving the path for a new era of mobility in the Midwest with Governor JB Pritzker, industry stakeholders, and EV enthusiasts. This transformation aims to reduce carbon emissions, boost the region’s economic vitality, and support sustainability.
Governor Pritzker praised Lion Electric’s partnership in contributing to Illinois’ remarkable electric vehicle manufacturing industry, creating sustainable job opportunities that support communities while promoting a cleaner and greener state.
US Senator Dick Durbin commended the facility for driving the transformation of the transportation sector towards emission-free solutions, fostering job growth, and establishing America’s leadership in electric vehicle manufacturing. Senator Tammy Duckworth expressed Illinois’ commitment to green manufacturing, which benefits the environment, generates jobs, and secures a more sustainable and healthier world for future generations.
As part of its future-oriented approach, Lion Electric has joined hands with Argonne National Laboratory and Joliet Junior College for research programs and workforce training and development. The event also provided an exclusive sneak peek at the LionD, Lion Electric’s Type-D school bus prototype, scheduled to be officially unveiled later in 2023.
Mark Denzler, president & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, hailed the facility’s significance as the first to manufacture electric buses in Illinois, further enriching the state’s longstanding legacy in manufacturing. Additionally, ComEd, as the facility’s power partner, expressed its enthusiasm for powering Lion Electric’s manufacturing plant, supporting the production of locally built EVs that contribute to reduced emissions and a cleaner future for Illinois communities.
Lion Electric’s new manufacturing facility stands as a beacon of progress in the EV industry, championing sustainable transportation solutions and generating economic opportunities. With its strong partnerships, cutting-edge technology, and ambitious vision, Lion Electric is positioning itself as a key player in the green manufacturing revolution.
