Where Is American Battery Factory Located? US Gigafactory Explained
American Battery Factory (ABF) is headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, with its flagship gigafactory under development in the Tucson Metro Area. This strategic location supports ABF’s mission to strengthen U.S. battery supply chains and leverage renewable energy resources. The facility aims to produce lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for industrial, commercial, and residential applications.
How Did Tucson Become ABF’s Gigafactory Hub?
Tucson was selected for its solar energy potential, skilled workforce, and logistical advantages. Arizona’s renewable energy infrastructure aligns with ABF’s sustainability goals, while proximity to Interstate 10 and rail networks ensures efficient material distribution. State and local incentives, including tax benefits, further solidified Tucson as the optimal location for large-scale battery manufacturing.
The Tucson Metropolitan Statistical Area boasts 350+ days of annual sunshine, enabling ABF to power operations through a combination of onsite solar arrays and power purchase agreements. Arizona’s Fast Start workforce program will train 800+ technicians in battery assembly and quality control through Pima Community College. The state’s revised tax code offers a 10% capital investment tax credit for manufacturers using renewable energy, creating $120 million in projected savings over five years.
| Location Factor | Tucson Advantage | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Irradiation | 6.5 kWh/m²/day | 4.5 kWh/m²/day |
| Industrial Electricity Cost | $0.07/kWh | $0.12/kWh |
| Freight Rail Access | 3 Class I railroads | 1.8 average |
What Sustainability Features Does the Tucson Site Include?
The facility will operate on 80% renewable energy through onsite solar arrays and offsite PPAs. Closed-loop water systems and AI-powered energy management will reduce resource consumption. ABF plans to recycle 95% of production waste, including lithium recovery from battery scrap, setting new benchmarks for eco-conscious manufacturing in the battery industry.
ABF’s water reclamation system will process 15 million gallons annually using reverse osmosis and electrochemical treatment. The campus will feature 18 MW of rooftop solar paired with 120 MWh battery storage to maintain 24/7 clean energy operations. A proprietary thermal recovery system will capture 85% of process heat for reuse in electrode drying chambers, reducing natural gas demand by 40% compared to conventional battery plants.
“ABF’s Tucson gigafactory isn’t just a factory—it’s a geopolitical statement. By colocating with solar farms and lithium deposits, they’re rewriting the rules of battery economics. This vertical integration model could reduce cell costs by 40% compared to overseas imports, making U.S.-made EVs and storage systems truly competitive.”
— Energy Storage Analyst, Frost & Sullivan
FAQs
- Does ABF have other U.S. facilities besides Tucson?
- Tucson is ABF’s inaugural gigafactory, but the company has announced plans for two additional U.S. sites by 2026, focusing on cathode production and battery recycling.
- How does ABF’s location compare to Tesla’s gigafactories?
- Unlike Tesla’s Nevada and Texas plants, ABF’s Tucson site specifically targets LFP battery production and leverages Arizona’s solar resources rather than automotive integration.
- What transportation infrastructure serves the Tucson facility?
- The site is accessible via Union Pacific rail lines, Interstate 10, and Tucson International Airport, with dedicated freight corridors for battery shipment.