EVwire brief: Vianode has officially started site preparation for its Via TWO synthetic graphite facility in St. Thomas, Ontario, which will be North America’s largest low-emission anode graphite plant.
The multi-billion-dollar project will create up to 1,000 jobs, support production for two million EVs annually, and strengthen North America’s clean battery supply chain ahead of its 2028 launch.
Vianode, the Norway-based producer of advanced battery materials, has kicked off site preparation for its new Via TWO synthetic graphite plant in St. Thomas, Ontario. Announced on November 20, 2025, the milestone marks the beginning of what will become North America’s largest low-emission synthetic anode graphite facility, significantly expanding the region’s clean battery materials capacity.
Rendering of Via TWO: Vianode's first large-scale production plant in St. Thomas, Canada.
Image Source: Vianode
The plant will be located in the Yarmouth Yards Industrial Park, strategically positioned near major automotive manufacturing hubs and directly connected to Ontario’s clean electricity grid. The province has tentatively agreed to support the investment with a loan of up to $670 million CAD ($477M USD).
Set to begin operations in 2028, Via TWO will supply up to 150,000 tons of synthetic graphite annually at full expansion, which is enough to power roughly two million electric vehicles per year. Graphite is a critical component in EV batteries, with each pack requiring as much as 100 kilograms.
“Today marks an important step towards a resilient North American battery supply chain, Via TWO will bring industrial-scale, low-emission graphite to market through a phased build-out that supports customers, communities and the clean-energy transition.”
Ontario officials emphasized the project’s economic significance, noting the creation of approximately 300 highly skilled jobs in Phase 1, rising to 1,000 at full capacity. Premier Doug Ford called the announcement a “historic milestone” for southwestern Ontario, reinforcing the province’s competitive position in global battery supply chains.
Provincial leaders and Invest Ontario highlighted the region’s stability, skilled workforce, and strategic proximity to major EV manufacturers as key factors in winning the project after an extensive North American site selection process.
The St. Thomas plant is a cornerstone in Vianode’s broader ambition to supply advanced materials for up to three million EVs annually by 2030. Via TWO will use proprietary technology that reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional graphite production, making it a key contributor to a cleaner, more secure North American battery ecosystem.
SOURCE: Vianode
