Vietnam Hub Targets 30% Local Value to Bypass Tariffs
E-Power Inc. (NASDAQ: EPOW) announced on March 25, 2026, a strategic expansion into Vietnam to build a resilient, non-China supply chain for battery anode materials. The initiative, confirmed after a site inspection of the ATSC SOLARTECH facility in Hung Yen Province, is designed to serve the rapidly growing Artificial Intelligence Data Center (AIDC) and energy storage markets in North America and Southeast Asia.
The core of the strategy is to establish a production base that can achieve "Product of Vietnam" certification. By reaching a local value-added threshold of 30%, E-Power aims to comply with U.S. export regulations and gain potential access to U.S. subsidies. This move directly addresses geopolitical risks by diversifying its manufacturing footprint away from its primary operations in China.
Partnership Achieves 70% of Chinese Production Efficiency
The cooperation with ATSC SOLARTECH is structured on a "Small Asset, Large Trade" model, combining E-Power's top-tier anode technology with ATSC's specialized infrastructure, including high-temperature deposition capabilities. This allows E-Power to establish a manufacturing presence with reduced capital expenditure.
The Hung Yen industrial zone provides significant operational advantages, including a stable power grid and competitive labor costs. E-Power reports that local manufacturing efficiency can reach approximately 70% of comparable standards in China. The expansion also places E-Power in close proximity to key customers like Envision, Sunwoda, and Gotion, which have already established a manufacturing presence in Vietnam, streamlining certification and logistics.
Pilot Project Paves Way for Advanced Silicon-Carbon Anodes
E-Power intends to finalize its "Minimum Capacity Plan" for the Vietnam facility by the end of March 2026, with the formal registration of a local subsidiary to follow. The initial phase will focus on establishing a pilot production line for its current graphite anode materials.
This foothold serves as a strategic launchpad for producing next-generation battery components. The company plans to use the facility to develop advanced Silicon-Carbon (Si-C) anodes, which are critical for meeting the higher energy density demands of future AI infrastructure and integrated microgrid solutions. This positions E-Power to capture evolving technological requirements in its key target markets.
