Lars Carlstrom, the CEO of Italvolt and Statevolt, has a vision that extends beyond the conventional boundaries of entrepreneurship. With over 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur, Carlstrom has been instrumental in spearheading projects that not only advance technology but also create substantial social impact.
Carlstrom’s journey into the energy transition began in 2018 when he recognized the urgent need for a gigafactory in the UK to support the automotive industry. “I was on a flight from London and I was reading a magazine that said, ‘UK needs a gigafactory, otherwise we’ll lose the whole automotive industry,'” Carlstrom recalls. This realization led him to establish Britishvolt, which, despite initial success, did not align with his vision, prompting him to pursue new ventures in Italy and the United States.
At Italvolt, Carlstrom aims to build a 36 GWh gigafactory in Italy, a project with a capital expenditure of around 3.5 billion EUR. Meanwhile, Statevolt in Southern California is set to be even larger, with a planned 54 GWh capacity. These factories are not just about producing batteries; they are about revitalizing communities and creating jobs. “The objective here with choosing these sites is to accelerate economies, create jobs, and make people prosper again,” Carlstrom explains.
The locations for these gigafactories, such as the area around the Salton Sea in California, were selected with the intent to rejuvenate once-thriving regions that have since declined. “This is actually by far the most poorest area of America… We are creating around 3,000 direct jobs and additional 3 to 5,000 indirect jobs,” says Carlstrom. His commitment to job creation and economic revitalization underscores his broader mission of social impact over personal profit.
Despite the technical challenges and bureaucratic hurdles, Carlstrom remains focused on the positive outcomes. “We have a blueprint, a scalable modular factory which we can bring more or less anywhere in the world,” he states, highlighting the adaptability and forward-thinking nature of his projects. This flexibility is crucial as battery technology evolves, ensuring that Italvolt and Statevolt can quickly adapt to new advancements.
Carlstrom’s passion for making a difference extends to educational initiatives. Both Italvolt and Statevolt are working on creating a Battery Academy to upskill young individuals, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. “We are inviting young kids that probably never will go to school ever… This gives them acceptance and a diploma from the Battery Academy,” Carlstrom says, emphasizing the importance of educational opportunities in changing lives.
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Carlstrom advises, “Believe in yourself, be bold, and live your dreams. Don’t be afraid.” His own career is a testament to these principles, showcasing how bold ideas and a commitment to social good can drive both personal and communal success.
In a world facing rapid technological and economic changes, Lars Carlstrom stands out as a visionary leader who is not only advancing the field of battery technology but also making a significant impact on the communities he touches. His work with Italvolt and Statevolt embodies the transformative power of innovation and compassion.
The locations for these gigafactories, such as the area around the Salton Sea in California, were selected with the intent to rejuvenate once-thriving regions that have since declined. “This is actually by far the most poorest area of America… We are creating around 3,000 direct jobs and additional 3 to 5,000 indirect jobs,” says Carlstrom. His commitment to job creation and economic revitalization underscores his broader mission of social impact over personal profit.
Despite the technical challenges and bureaucratic hurdles, Carlstrom remains focused on the positive outcomes. “We have a blueprint, a scalable modular factory which we can bring more or less anywhere in the world,” he states, highlighting the adaptability and forward-thinking nature of his projects. This flexibility is crucial as battery technology evolves, ensuring that Italvolt and Statevolt can quickly adapt to new advancements.
