In a groundbreaking collaboration, The Ohio State University, alongside Honda, Schaeffler Americas, and state officials, announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art battery cell research and development center.
The initiative aims to propel domestic advancements in battery technology while nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals.
Quick Facts:
Location: Ohio State’s innovation district
Opening Date: April 2025
Investment: $22 million in commitments
Foundational Partner: Honda, contributing $15 million
Managed By: Ohio State’s Institute for Materials and Manufacturing Research (IMR)
Ohio State, in partnership with Honda, Schaeffler Americas, and key state entities, is gearing up for the April 2025 launch of a cutting-edge battery cell research and development center. The facility, spanning 25,000 square feet, will be located in Ohio State’s innovation district and is set to redefine the landscape of battery technology.
“Ohio State’s commitment to research, innovation and bringing solutions to the world is at the heart of our land-grant mission,” said Peter Mohler, acting president and executive vice president for research, innovation and knowledge at Ohio State. “We have more reach and impact when we work with our partners at the local, state and federal levels and we join industry-leading partners like Honda and Schaeffler.”

Honda takes the helm as the lead foundational partner, injecting $15 million into the project. This move solidifies their commitment to an electrified future across automobiles, motorcycles, and power products globally. The project also received the endorsement of the State of Ohio and JobsOhio, reinforcing the collaborative spirit driving this venture.
Schaeffler Americas, a key player in all solid-state battery technology, emphasizes a hands-on and collaborative approach in partnership with Ohio State. Jeff Hemphill, Chief Technology Officer of Schaeffler Americas, envisions the center as a hub for industry-leading and scalable solutions, positioning Ohio at the forefront of battery technology.
The completed project won’t just be a facility; it will serve as a hub connecting academia and industry across various disciplines, including chemical and physical sciences, engineering, business, and policy. This interdisciplinary approach aims to create a robust pipeline of industry talent and attract electric vehicle battery manufacturing and supply chain businesses.
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown and U.S. Reps. Joyce Beatty and Mike Carey played pivotal roles in securing $4.5 million in federal funding for the project through the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Extramural Construction program. Their efforts reflect a commitment to steering Ohio away from the outdated “Rust Belt” narrative, positioning it as a leader in automotive and sustainability advancements.
“We know how to make cars in Ohio. The auto industry is our past, and our future. The next generation of vehicles that families will drive all over the country and all over the world will be made in Ohio, by Ohio workers,” said Brown. “Ohio State, One Columbus, and Honda came to us with this project, and we worked together to secure the investment to make it happen. This is how we are burying the term ‘Rust Belt.’”

The federal funding secured will support the construction of a 4,000-square-foot dry room essential for assembling battery cells. This specialized space addresses the extreme moisture sensitivity of cell components, facilitating the rapid development and translation of batteries from laboratory settings to practical scales, including the electric vehicle market.
In the words of Peter Mohler, acting president and executive vice president for research, innovation, and knowledge at Ohio State, “Ohio State’s commitment to research, innovation, and bringing solutions to the world is at the heart of our land-grant mission.”
This venture reflects not only technological progress but also a commitment to education and workforce development in advanced manufacturing technologies. As the center opens its doors in 2025, it heralds a new era in battery technology, positioning Ohio as a key player in the electrified future of transportation.