RIDE Energy Blade Battery Module and Pack Manufacturing Facility
Summary
SCH Number
2026040329
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
RIDE Energy Blade Battery Module and Pack Manufacturing Facility
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/8/2026
Document Description
This project will construct a new industrial building, up to approximately 58,900 square feet, as an expansion of RIDE Energy’s existing facility, and will install one new battery module and pack assembly line within RIDE Energy’s existing expanded building area. RIDE Energy’s existing battery module and pack assembly facility in Lancaster, California, has an annual production capacity of up to 0.5 gigawatt-hours (GWh). The expanded facility will be capable of manufacturing BYD’s Blade Battery using high-precision, high-stability automated module and pack assembly lines, supported by comprehensive testing and service capabilities. At full capacity, the Project aims to enhance California’s battery manufacturing capabilities by adding up to 1 GWh of production capacity.
Contact Information
Name
Taiying Zhang
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Job Title
Air Pollution Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Lancaster
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
170 BYD Energy Road, Lancaster, CA 93535
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Reg., tit. 14, section 15332
Reasons for Exemption
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15332 exempts from the provisions of CEQA "In-Fill Development Projects." It exempts small (5 acres or less) urban infill projects that are consistent with general plans/zoning, has no value as habitat for endangered, rare or threatened species, cause no significant effects on traffic, noise, air quality, or water, and are can be adequately served by utilities and public services.
The proposed project meets the requirements of section 15332. The project will construct a new industrial building as an expansion to an existing facility. The purpose of the project is to expand the grant recipient BYD dba Ride Energy’s existing battery assembly facility in Lancaster to add up to GWh of annual production capacity. The expansion will be located on Ride’s existing land, which is a fully developed industrial parcel, meaning the parcel is predominantly paved w/no undisturbed areas within the project boundary. The site does not contain any sensitive environmental resources. Construction will be entirely within this parcel and will not require changes to zoning or land use designations. The project also will install one new battery module and pack assembly line within the expansion. All manufacturing, testing, and material handling activities will occur within enclosed building areas.
The project is consistent with the City of Lancaster’s general plan and zoning designations, is located on a site that is less than 5 acres, is currently paved and provides no habitat, will be served by existing utilities, and would not result in significant effects related to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality. For these reasons, this project will have no significant impact on the environment and is exempt under CEQA Guidelines section 15332.
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 sites 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.