Hopkinsville, KY — Construction on Ascend Elements’ highly anticipated electric vehicle battery materials facility in Hopkinsville has been temporarily paused as the company adjusts to evolving market demands. The $1 billion Apex 1 project, which broke ground in 2022, was set to become a key hub for the production of pCAM (precursor cathode active material), a critical component in lithium-ion batteries.
According to Ascend Elements’ Senior Director of Marketing & Communications, Thomas Frey, the decision to pause construction stems from requests by several major customers to delay the start of material deliveries by 12 to 18 months. “This shift gives us the opportunity to reassess vendor relationships and contracts, ensuring we remain both efficient and accountable without impacting our delivery commitments,” Frey stated.
The development, located in Christian County, spans an impressive 500,000 square feet and was expected to play a significant role in the domestic EV supply chain. However, recent developments have led to legal tensions. Turner-Kokosing, the firm contracted to lead construction, has filed a lawsuit seeking $138 million in unpaid invoices.
In response, Ascend Elements released a statement affirming its intent to honor “authorized and legitimate work performed” while emphasizing its commitment to responsible use of public and private funding. The company is also exploring potential partnerships with new contractors as it plans the next phase of the project.
Adding to the shift in plans, Ascend recently canceled a $164 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, originally intended to support the facility. The company cited market changes and a strategic decision to discontinue production of one of the lithium-ion battery’s key components.
Despite these setbacks, Ascend remains optimistic about the project’s future. The company aims to resume construction in the third quarter of 2025, with full operations targeted for late 2026
