NextStar Energy Celebrates Production of One Million Battery Cells at Windsor Plant
NextStar Energy has announced a significant manufacturing achievement, having produced its one-millionth battery cell at its facility in Windsor. The company revealed this milestone on Thursday, February 12, 2026, describing it as "a major milestone" for Canada's pioneering large-scale battery manufacturing operation.
A Testament to Team Excellence and Technical Expertise
Brett Hillock, Chief Operating Officer of NextStar Energy, emphasized in a press release that this accomplishment directly reflects the team's discipline, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment. "Our team continues to raise the bar, and this achievement is a direct reflection of their discipline, technical expertise and unwavering commitment," Hillock stated.
The company commenced commercial cell production in Windsor last November, and reaching one million cells represents rapid progress in ramping up operations. According to Peter Frise, an automotive and mechanical engineering professor at the University of Windsor, producing a million cells is "not an inconsiderable number," especially given the factory's recent opening and the extensive quality checks required in battery manufacturing.
The Significance of Battery Cells in Modern Technology
Professor Frise explained that individual battery cells, which can resemble "a kid's snack pouch," are configured into larger battery packs for practical use. "It's never intended that you use only one cell," he noted. "The cells are always assembled into a battery pack with many cells, and then they become useful."
For context, a single electric vehicle might require several thousand connected cells to form its battery pack. This highlights the scale of NextStar's production, contributing to the growing demand for battery technology in various applications.
Strategic Shifts and Continued Investment
Originally intended to produce battery packs for electric cars, NextStar Energy has adapted to market conditions by shifting focus to energy storage system battery cells. These batteries, used for storing electricity in residential and commercial buildings, share fundamental similarities with electric vehicle batteries, as Frise pointed out: "I think it's really a matter of configuration. The fundamentals of each kind of battery cell are the same."
This strategic pivot comes amid slowing electric car sales, demonstrating the company's flexibility in responding to industry trends. To date, more than $5 billion has been invested in the Windsor facility, creating over 1,300 jobs. Frise described these positions as "very high value employment," involving engineering work, technologists, and machinists in a highly automated process.
Background and Future Outlook
NextStar Energy was established in 2022 as a joint venture between Stellantis and LG Energy Solution to build Canada's first large-scale battery manufacturing plant in Windsor. Recently, Stellantis sold its 49 percent equity stake in the NextStar battery plant to LG Energy Solution, though Stellantis will remain "a committed customer" to the facility.
Professor Frise expressed optimism about having a battery plant in the jurisdiction, stating, "I think we're quite fortunate to have a battery plant in our jurisdiction because I think the future of this kind of technology is quite great." This milestone underscores Windsor's growing role in the advanced manufacturing sector and the broader transition toward sustainable energy solutions.
