Our Next Energy (ONE), a Novi-based battery startup, is once again reducing its workforce, this time by 37 jobs, including 24 positions in Michigan, as it refocuses on technical roles over administrative functions. The move comes after the company cut a quarter of its staff and appointed a new CEO, Paul Humphries, in December.
In a statement, spokesperson Dan Pierce explained, “ONE is reinforcing its commitment to its research & development, engineering, supply chain and manufacturing functions,” adding that the company is realigning resources to enhance financial efficiency and attract additional investors.
The decision reflects broader challenges in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, with suppliers and manufacturers like Rivian Automotive Inc. also implementing layoffs and investment cuts due to lower-than-expected consumer demand. Factors such as EV affordability, charging infrastructure, and battery performance have impacted adoption rates.
Despite ONE’s previous success in securing $300 million in funding early in 2023, the company faced market pressures and shifted focus under Humphries’ leadership. Mujeeb Ijaz, the company’s founder, remains as chief technology officer.
The recent layoffs will not affect battery cell production at ONE Circle, the company’s manufacturing facility in Van Buren Township, which received over $200 million in state incentives for a $1.6 billion investment. The plant is expected to employ over 2,000 people and produce 200,000 EV battery packs annually by the end of 2027.
ONE has already begun pilot production of lithium iron phosphate battery cells at the Van Buren Township plant and commenced production of Aries LFP battery packs at Piston Automotive in southeast Michigan earlier in 2023. The company aims to meet the growing demand for domestically produced cells and packs, focusing on innovative battery solutions to drive the shift toward electrification.
