eLumina Unveils Australia's First EV Charger and Battery Factory: A Game-Changer for Clean Energy Jobs

A Pivotal Year for EVs

2024 marks a pivotal year for EVs, with growth, regulation, and debates on incentives as governments navigate the path to a sustainable transition.

What Happened in October 2024

On October 29, 2024, eLumina officially opened Australia’s first factory capable of producing community lithium batteries and EV chargers. Located in Yatala on the Gold Coast, this US$20 million Manufacturing and Development Centre signifies a major step toward Australia’s energy transition while creating up to 300 local jobs.

The state-of-the-art facility will produce 300 batteries and EV chargers annually, supporting clean energy solutions and bolstering Queensland's role as a growing tech and manufacturing hub.

Powering High-Tech Jobs and Skills Development

The launch of the new factory strengthens the clean energy sector and creates high-tech job opportunities in the region. eLumina’s focus on fostering local talent through partnerships with TAFE Queensland ensures a pipeline of skilled workers for the renewable energy landscape.

Lisa Marsh, Chief Executive Officer at eLumina, emphasized the initiative’s importance:

"We are extremely proud to officially open our factory here in Yatala on the Gold Coast. We are ambitious to back 300 highly technical and sought-after jobs and we're proud to partner with TAFE Queensland to support the training and pathways into these jobs."

By collaborating with TAFE, eLumina is investing in the future workforce, creating opportunities that align with the rapid growth of clean energy technologies.

Supporting Australia's Renewable Energy Goals

eLumina's new factory directly supports Australia’s sustainability targets and energy independence. John Grimes, CEO of The Smart Energy Council, highlighted the factory's significance:

"We're proud to partner with eLumina and support them with their mission of securing a sustainable energy future for Australians and supporting Australia becoming a global leader in this sector."

Key Features of eLumina's Facility

• US$20m investment, opened on October 29, 2024.
• First Australian facility to produce both lithium batteries and EV chargers.
• Capacity to manufacture 300 batteries and chargers annually.
• Equipped with a state-of-the-art dry room for advanced battery research and development.
• Introduction of the D1 model – a fast-charging EV solution ideal for remote areas.

The D1 model stands out with its innovative battery-integrated design, offering a maximum output of 160kW and the ability to charge two vehicles simultaneously, addressing energy challenges in remote areas.

Future Expansion to Boost Economic Resilience

Looking ahead, eLumina has ambitious expansion plans. Lisa Marsh outlined the company’s vision for growth:

"Our goal is for our next factory to be three times the size, potentially employing up to 300 people directly and supporting many more."

By scaling production and strengthening local manufacturing, eLumina sets a benchmark for energy storage solutions and supports Australia’s net-zero emissions targets.