Panasonic says its electric vehicle battery plant in Kansas will convert part of its operations to make batteries for data centers. Company officials announced the change as part of a broader shift in focus toward artificial intelligence uses and the infrastructure that supports data centers.
Panasonic leaders outlined the direction at a June 8 investors day presentation, describing plans to develop devices and infrastructure equipment for AI and data centers. The move indicates the Topeka facility’s work will include new battery products tied to data-center needs, rather than only electric-vehicle applications.