Asahi Kasei has opened a new wet-process lithium-ion battery separator coating line in Charlotte, North Carolina, expanding its North American production capacity for electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage applications.
The line adds Hipore wet-process separator coating capabilities to the company’s existing Celgard manufacturing facility, which has produced dry-process separators in the United States since 1986.
Commercial production is scheduled to begin in the second half of fiscal 2026.
The investment is part of Asahi Kasei’s strategy to establish a regional supply structure for lithium-ion battery separators as North American demand grows across EV and energy storage markets.
Toyota Tsusho has entered into a capacity rights agreement related to the Charlotte facility.
Asahi Kasei is also developing a wet-process separator facility in Canada. Together, the Charlotte coating line and Canadian plant are intended to expand the company’s regional manufacturing capabilities and provide battery manufacturers with localized separator supply.
Battery separators are used to electrically isolate the anode and cathode inside lithium-ion cells while allowing ions to move between them during charging and discharging.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News