A new $3.2 billion EV battery-materials plant is set to be built in the London, Ontario area, marking a significant development in the region’s clean energy sector. The plant, known as Via Two, will be North America’s largest low-emission synthetic anode graphite manufacturing facility, according to Vianode, the company behind the project. The plant’s construction is expected to begin in 2024 and operations are scheduled to commence in 2028. The site is located in the Yarmouth Yards Industrial Park, strategically positioned to serve automotive customers and leverage clean electricity and a skilled workforce in Southwestern Ontario. This development comes at a crucial time for the region’s automotive industry, which has been facing challenges such as the loss of manufacturing facilities. For instance, Stellantis has relocated the production of its Jeep Compass to Illinois as part of a substantial US$13 billion investment to boost vehicle output in the U.S. However, the company plans to add a third shift at its Windsor, Ontario plant when it reopens in 2026. General Motors, on the other hand, has permanently ceased the production of its BrightDrop electric-powered delivery vehicles in Ingersoll, Ontario. Despite these challenges, the Via Two project is expected to create a significant number of jobs, with an initial phase targeting around 300 positions and a full build-out potentially supporting up to 1,000 jobs. The plant’s annual capacity is projected to be 150,000 tonnes, sufficient to produce synthetic graphite for approximately two million EVs annually. The project has received support from local leaders, who emphasize the city’s role in the evolving EV ecosystem and its commitment to clean technology, innovation, and sustainability. The development also signals Ontario’s commitment to attracting global investors and positioning itself as a leading supplier for strategic industries. Vianode, a Norway-based company, has previously expanded its operations in Norway, including the establishment of a Technology Center in Kristiansand and the Via One plant at Helgoya. These expansions align with the company’s goal of supplying materials for up to three million EVs per year by 2030. The Via Two project is a significant milestone for Southwestern Ontario, creating good-paying manufacturing jobs and contributing to the region’s economic resilience and competitiveness in the G7.