Panasonic Energy began in Japan, where Konosuke Matsushita founded Panasonic, and the new company invented a battery for bicycle lamps in 1923. Panasonic Energy has grown to a global leader in batteries, with a 100-year history of innovation spanning both battery business operations and battery cell technology.

The company now supplies advanced lithium-ion batteries to leading global automotive manufacturers, and the company is a top lithium-ion battery supplier in the global market for electric vehicles.

In 2014, the company established Panasonic Energy of North America (PENA). In 2017, PENA began producing batteries for the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer at the Gigafactory in Sparks, Nevada. Panasonic Energy’s operation in Sparks is now one of the largest lithium-ion battery factories in the world with a growing workforce of more than 4,000 employees.

Example of Workforce Development Partnerships

In June 2023, Panasonic Energy launched an initiative to develop a skilled workforce for the EV battery and advanced manufacturing sectors. Through multi‑state collaborations, the company work with community colleges, vocational programs, and high schools to create apprenticeship and training pathways that prepare participants for careers in clean energy and EV manufacturing. Aims of this work include:

• Expanding apprenticeship and pre‑apprenticeship pipelines for EV battery manufacturing.
• Aligning training with industry skill requirements and production safety standards.
• Supporting equitable access to well‑paying, in-demand technical careers.
• Partnering with educational institutions to provide hands-on learning experiences and credentials.

Resources

https://energy.na.panasonic.com/our-story

See Initiative: Panasonic Energy Workforce Partnerships — Electric Vehicle Battery & Advanced Manufacturing Sectors | Learn & Work Ecosystem Library