Lion Electric had the opening ceremony of its 900,000 square-foot Joliet, Illinois facility, one of the largest all-electric U.S. plants dedicated to medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicle production.

At full scale, the plant has an estimated production capacity of 20,000 vehicles per year in a combination of both buses and trucks, which the company estimates should require around 1,400 skilled workers.

Lion Electric chose Illinois for the state’s resources, its central proximity to customers and the domestic supply base, and for its vision that aligns with the state’s common goals for a more sustainable future.

A First Look at the Facility

Dignitaries, customers, media, financial analysts, partners, and team members attended this opening and toured the facility.

Argonne National Laboratory and Joliet Junior College, partnering with Lion on research programs and workforce training and development, were also present at the celebration.

Guests were also treated to an exclusive first look at the LionD, Lion Electric’s Type-D school bus prototype, which is expected to officially debut in 2023.

“ComEd is thrilled to power Lion Electric’s first-ever US manufacturing plant, where new, locally built EVs will play a critical role in helping our customers move toward fewer emissions and cleaner futures,” said Gil C. Quiniones, CEO of ComEd. “As a partner on their plans to grow in Joliet from day one, ComEd  hares Lion’s commitment to expanding access to electric transportation options that will help lower pollution, enhance air quality and stimulate new jobs and economic growth for the communities of Illinois.”