California Production of Advanced Batteries for Zero Emission Vehicles (CPAB-ZEV)
Summary
SCH Number
2025110417
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
California Production of Advanced Batteries for Zero Emission Vehicles (CPAB-ZEV)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
11/12/2025
Document Description
This project will design and establish California-based production of advanced injectable phase change electrolytes and cell assembly in Alameda, CA. CPAB-ZEV will construct a facility dedicated to producing over 60 metric tons of injectable phase change electrolytes (capable of supporting 128 megawatt-hours [MWh] of battery cells), as well as assembling more than 500,000 lithium-ion battery cells (>7MWh) annually, for use in zero-emission vehicles and other electric mobility applications.
Contact Information
Name
Taiying Zhang
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Job Title
Air Pollution Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Alameda
Counties
Alameda
Regions
San Francisco Bay Area
Cross Streets
2095 North Loop Road, Alameda, CA
Zip
94502
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Reg.s, tit. 14, section 15301 and section 15303
Reasons for Exemption
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, section 15301 provides that the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use are exempt from CEQA.
Anthro currently leases space at the project site to perform laboratory research, and small-scale manufacturing of advanced injectable phase change electrolytes and cell assembly. This project will install and?operate?a cell production line to establish manufacturing capability at the site.?The installation and demonstration will involve internal facility modifications such as relocation and installation of benchwork, electrical, and HVAC. All new equipment will be placed on existing concrete.?No modifications will be made to the exterior of the building or grounds. The project therefore involves negligible expansion of existing or former use of the site.?For these reasons this project will have no significant impact on the environment and is exempt under?CEQA?Guidelines section 15301.
?
Cal. Code regs., tit. 14, section 15303 provides that the?construction and location of limited number of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the exterior of the structure are exempt from?CEQA.?
The modifications to the existing site include the addition and demolition of walls, and relocation of electrical and plumbing. The result of these upgrades and additions of new equipment will increase the manufacturing capability of lithium-ion batteries and electrolyte.?For these reasons, work under this project will have no significant impact on the environment and is exempt under CEQA Guidelines section 15303.
The project does not involve any unusual circumstances, will not result in damage to any scenic resources within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway, none of the site are included on any list compiled pursuant to Government Code section 65962.5, and the project will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. The project, when considered as a whole, will not result in a cumulative impact that is significant on the environment. Therefore, none of the exceptions to exemptions listed in CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply to this project and this project will not have a significant effect on the environment.