7 Shocking Ways The City Of Kokomo, Indiana Is Transforming In 2025: From Automotive History To EV Gigafactory Hub

Kokomo, Indiana, is currently experiencing a seismic economic and cultural shift, transforming its identity from a historical automotive town to a critical hub in the nation’s electric vehicle (EV) supply chain. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the city is undergoing a massive, multi-billion-dollar metamorphosis driven by unprecedented industrial investment, major infrastructure upgrades, and a forecasted economic boom that is expected to outpace much of the state. This article dives into the seven most significant and up-to-date developments defining the new Kokomo. The city’s economic situation is forecasted to improve significantly in 2024 and 2025, with the Kokomo Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) expected to see employment growth while other Indiana MSAs experience slowing growth. This surge is directly tied to a robust manufacturing sector that is pivoting toward electrification, creating both immense opportunity and immediate challenges, particularly concerning housing and local infrastructure.

Kokomo, Indiana: City Profile & Key Facts (2024/2025)

Kokomo, the county seat of Howard County, has long been a foundational city in Indiana’s automotive and manufacturing history. Its current profile reflects a community on the cusp of a major industrial revolution.

• Location: North Central Indiana, approximately 50 miles north of Indianapolis.
• 2024 Population Estimate: 60,093 people, making it the 15th most populated city in Indiana.
• Metropolitan Area: Principal city of the Kokomo Metropolitan Area, which includes all of Howard County.
• Median Age (2023): 39.8 years.
• Economic Driver: Historically automotive manufacturing; currently pivoting to Electric Vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing.
• Mayor: Tyler Moore.

The $6.3 Billion EV Gigafactory Revolution (The StarPlus Energy Project)

The single biggest factor reshaping Kokomo’s future is the colossal investment in electric vehicle battery manufacturing. This project has put Kokomo at the epicenter of America’s automotive future.

1. The StarPlus Energy Gigafactory Opening in 2025

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The joint venture between automotive giant Stellantis N.V. and battery manufacturer Samsung SDI, known as StarPlus Energy, is preparing for the opening of its first North American EV battery plant in Kokomo. This massive facility, sometimes referred to as 'Project Fusion,' is a 3.3 million square-foot battery plant set to open in early 2025. The investment for this single facility is over $2.5 billion, and it is expected to create between 1,400 and 3,000 new jobs in the region.

2. Second Battery Plant and Job Creation

The StarPlus Energy partnership has already announced plans for a second battery plant in Kokomo, further solidifying the city's role as a battery manufacturing hub. The total investment by Stellantis and Samsung SDI in the Kokomo area is projected to be around $6.3 billion. This economic engine is the primary reason the Kokomo MSA is forecasted to see a boost in employment growth in 2025.

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3. The Current Employment Reality: A Nuanced Update

While the job forecast is overwhelmingly positive, recent news provides a vital, current snapshot of the industry's volatility. In a late-2024 development, StarPlus Energy announced a layoff of 59 salaried employees at the EV battery plant. This detail highlights the complex, rapidly evolving nature of the new automotive economy, where massive investment coexists with necessary workforce adjustments during the ramp-up phase.

Massive Infrastructure & Development Projects for 2025

To support the influx of industry and workers, the City of Kokomo is undertaking significant, multi-million-dollar infrastructure and development projects, ensuring the city's foundation is ready for the future.

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4. $33.6 Million in City Infrastructure Investment

The city is investing $33.6 million in infrastructure improvements to support the new industrial park adjacent to the existing Stellantis facility. This includes major road improvements to County Road (CR) and a $24 million stormwater and roadway project to manage the demands of the $6.3 billion EV battery plant. These projects are crucial to providing the necessary logistics and utilities for the gigafactory's operation.

5. The Elwood Mixed-Use Development

Addressing the immediate challenge of housing for the thousands of new workers, a transformative $26 million mixed-use development called "The Elwood" successfully closed on construction financing in June 2025. This project signifies a vital step in attracting developers to provide the housing needed for the anticipated 3,000 new jobs and revitalizing the downtown core.

6. Major Park System Facelift

Beyond industrial and commercial growth, the quality of life is also a focus for 2025. The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department is scheduled to receive major changes as part of the 2025 city budget, promising a facelift to the park system that will be appreciated by long-time residents and new arrivals alike.

Kokomo's Unique Cultural Heritage and Attractions

Despite the focus on the future, Kokomo remains deeply connected to its unique past, offering a variety of attractions that build topical authority and appeal to tourists and residents.

• Kokomo Opalescent Glass (KOG): Founded in 1888, KOG is the oldest producer of hand-cast, cathedral, and opalescent glass in the United States. Visitors can tour the facilities and witness the glass-making process, a testament to the city's industrial longevity.
• Kokomo Automotive Museum: Celebrating the city's heritage as an early hub for Indiana automobiles, the museum features over 100 vehicles dating from the late 1800s, preserved by the Pioneer Auto Club.
• Seiberling Mansion: This stunning historical site was built in 1891 for wealthy gas boom industrialist Monroe Seiberling. It serves as a beautiful example of the city's Gilded Age wealth and is now a key attraction for history buffs.
• Unique Roadside Attractions: For those seeking quirky sights, Kokomo is home to the KokoMantis, a massive praying mantis sculpture, and Willie the Whale, a beloved local landmark.

7. The Jackrabbits Take a Break: A 2025 Sports Update

A significant piece of local news for sports fans is the announcement that the Kokomo Jackrabbits, the collegiate summer baseball team that plays in the Prospect League, will be taking the entire 2025 season off. Citing "unforeseen circumstances," this temporary hiatus is a current event that impacts the local entertainment scene, contrasting the overall growth narrative with a temporary cultural pause.

Conclusion: The Future of Kokomo, Indiana

Kokomo, Indiana, stands at a pivotal moment in its history. The city is leveraging its deep roots in manufacturing to become a powerhouse in the Electric Vehicle revolution, driven by the massive Stellantis and Samsung SDI investments. The economic forecast for 2025 is bright, with the city actively addressing infrastructure and housing challenges through projects like 'The Elwood' and major road improvements. While the local landscape sees changes, such as the temporary pause of the Kokomo Jackrabbits, the overall trajectory is one of unprecedented growth, making Kokomo one of the most dynamic and rapidly transforming cities in the Midwest.

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