BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear, along with state and local officials, joined executives from Envision AESC on Tuesday to break ground on a $2 billion state-of-the-art electric vehicle battery gigafactory in Bowling Green’s Kentucky Transpark.

Envision AESC’s historic investment in western Kentucky will create 2,000 full-time jobs in the region to operate its 30 gigawatt-hour plant. At the plant, the Japanese EV battery technology company will produce battery cells and modules that will power next-generation EVs from multiple global automotive manufacturers.

“When Envision AESC announced plans to locate in the commonwealth, it solidified Kentucky’s place as the leader in the emerging electric vehicle sector. Today’s groundbreaking signifies another major step forward for Envision and our state,” Beshear said. “I want to once again welcome this incredible company to Kentucky. The 2,000 jobs associated with this project will greatly benefit families throughout the region and set the foundation for even more growth as we continue to build out a supplier network to serve Envision’s needs.”

Tuesday's groundbreaking of the approximately 3 million-square-foot operation marks the next step for one of the largest economic development projects in Kentucky's history. Envision AESC’s facility will produce next-generation battery cells that provide 30% more energy density than the current generation, leading to reduced charging times and increased range and efficiency for EVs, according to a news release.

The Bowling Green operation is expected to power up to 300,000 vehicles annually by 2027, officials said.

The operation also aims to make EVs more accessible and affordable by implementing high-tech capabilities to increase cost-competitiveness and technological expertise of EV battery production in Kentucky and in the U.S. The gigafactory will be powered by 100% renewable energy, supplied by onsite generation and purchased locally from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

“Envision is delighted to join with Kentucky and Bowling Green today to break ground at the site of our new state-of-the-art gigafactory,” Envision AESC U.S. Managing Director Jeff Deaton said. “We are extremely grateful for the level of support they have shown to get us to this important point, which highlights the strength of our enduring partnership and shared ambition to be national leaders in the e-mobility transformation in the United States.”