eLumina opens Yatala centre for batteries and EV chargers

Yatala centre opens for batteries and charging equipment

eLumina has opened its Manufacturing and Development Centre at Yatala on Queensland’s Gold Coast. The Australian-owned company has invested $20 million in the facility, which will manufacture community lithium batteries and electric vehicle chargers. The first model is scheduled to leave the production line in 2025.

The company projects annual production of 300 batteries and EV chargers and aims to support up to 300 jobs on the Gold Coast. Chief Executive Officer Lisa Marsh said eLumina is working with TAFE Queensland on training and pathways into technical roles.

Manufacturing, testing and skills

The Yatala site had already hosted a soft launch by August 2024. Its planned functions extend beyond production to battery testing, staff and supplier training, and research and development with Queensland universities. eLumina has also partnered with Ecobatt Australia to recycle used batteries.

The facility’s manufacturing focus covers both community batteries and EV chargers. The August plans envisaged locally made batteries being supplied interstate and exported internationally, alongside the development of skilled clean energy and advanced manufacturing jobs.

Partners for regional charging

eLumina specialises in lithium battery energy storage systems and battery-integrated electric vehicle chargers. Its partnership with electrical infrastructure company Addelec will support charger deployment, with particular attention to connectivity in regional and rural Australia.

Addelec General Manager Chris McPherson said Australia’s size calls for a different approach from smaller, more densely populated European markets. He said the companies hope that addressing existing power challenges will encourage more Australians to use electric vehicles.

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Development priorities

Deploy battery-integrated charging equipment with Addelec.
Develop training pathways with TAFE Queensland.
Work with the Smart Energy Council on the company’s energy ambitions.

Marsh also outlined an ambition for a future factory three times the size of the current site, with potential to employ up to 300 people directly and support additional jobs. This remains a future expansion goal.