Volkswagen's Ontario battery plant postponed to 2029, sparking political concern
Volkswagen subsidiary PowerCo Canada has pushed back the start of its St. Thomas battery factory to 2029, two years later than planned, prompting criticism from a local Conservative MP.
PowerCo Canada confirmed that its St. Thomas battery plant will not be operational until 2029, pushing the original 2027 target back by two years to allow for advanced battery technology and scaling flexibility. Construction began in October 2025 after EllisDon was selected as the general contractor and two major contracts were awarded in August 2025. Local officials, including Mayor Joe Preston, expressed confidence that the plant will still deliver significant employment, noting current hiring of about 500 workers in the area.
The provincial Ministry of Economic Development highlighted the project as a milestone for job creation across the supply chain, though it did not address the postponement. Conservative MP Andrew Lawton criticized the delay, asking what the federal government is doing to ensure Volkswagen honors the subsidies and job promises tied to the project.
