Kurt Kelly.
General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it has hired Kurt Kelty, a battery expert and former Tesla executive, to be vice president of Batteries, reporting to GM President Mark Reuss. Kelty in a new position at GM will be charged with GM’s battery cell strategy and what it is calling an “end-to-end approach.” This will include the use of raw materials, research, developing and investing in new technology, commercialization of cells and packs, and end of life opportunities.
“The foundation that GM has established coupled with Kurt’s exceptional battery expertise in leading battery chemistry development, establishing partnerships, building out supply chains and partnering closely with teams that have developed leading battery systems will help us achieve our electrification goals and position GM as a leader in EV technology,” said Reuss.
As in all successful businesses GM’s EV and Global Warming strategy hasn’t changed, AutoInformed observes. GM has adjusted its tactics. GM has and will go forward with a strong and profitable internal combustion engine vehicle business. It is also forecasting growth there. Electric vehicles ran across a bumpy road last year, and GM wasn’t unique in the industry. However, this and subsequent years are going to be an important. GM said last year that by mid-year 2024 or sooner EV battery and supply constraints will evaporate. The GM EV portfolio is getting stronger. The progress in the so-called software defined vehicle continues.
Kelty was a vice president at Sila, where he was responsible for sales, business development, battery cell manufacturing partnerships and battery engineering involved in the adoption of Sila’s silicon anode material in EVs requiring high energy density and fast charge.
Prior to Sila, Kelty led the Tesla battery development team for 11 years. At Tesla he was responsible for the technical exchanges and commercial negotiations with battery cell suppliers and early-stage battery cell developers. He was involved in the creation of Tesla’s first Gigafactory, the largest lithium-ion battery and EV component factory in the world. He began his work in lithium-ion batteries in 1993, working for Panasonic, where he created alliances and joint development programs to advance lithium-ion rechargeable batteries for portable applications.
Kelty’s team will be responsible for a decisive piece of GM’s electrification strategy, bringing together the company’s already strong battery development resources with manufacturing expertise to more quickly deliver profitable, lower-cost, higher performing electric vehicles to customers in large numbers.
“For more than 30 years, I’ve been focused on helping develop and commercialize battery technologies that will aid in the transition to electric transportation. Joining GM creates an even bigger opportunity to help the industry make the switch and have a lasting impact on our planet,” said Kelty.
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GM Creates New VP of Batteries Position
Kurt Kelly.
General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it has hired Kurt Kelty, a battery expert and former Tesla executive, to be vice president of Batteries, reporting to GM President Mark Reuss. Kelty in a new position at GM will be charged with GM’s battery cell strategy and what it is calling an “end-to-end approach.” This will include the use of raw materials, research, developing and investing in new technology, commercialization of cells and packs, and end of life opportunities.
“The foundation that GM has established coupled with Kurt’s exceptional battery expertise in leading battery chemistry development, establishing partnerships, building out supply chains and partnering closely with teams that have developed leading battery systems will help us achieve our electrification goals and position GM as a leader in EV technology,” said Reuss.
As in all successful businesses GM’s EV and Global Warming strategy hasn’t changed, AutoInformed observes. GM has adjusted its tactics. GM has and will go forward with a strong and profitable internal combustion engine vehicle business. It is also forecasting growth there. Electric vehicles ran across a bumpy road last year, and GM wasn’t unique in the industry. However, this and subsequent years are going to be an important. GM said last year that by mid-year 2024 or sooner EV battery and supply constraints will evaporate. The GM EV portfolio is getting stronger. The progress in the so-called software defined vehicle continues.
Kelty was a vice president at Sila, where he was responsible for sales, business development, battery cell manufacturing partnerships and battery engineering involved in the adoption of Sila’s silicon anode material in EVs requiring high energy density and fast charge.
Prior to Sila, Kelty led the Tesla battery development team for 11 years. At Tesla he was responsible for the technical exchanges and commercial negotiations with battery cell suppliers and early-stage battery cell developers. He was involved in the creation of Tesla’s first Gigafactory, the largest lithium-ion battery and EV component factory in the world. He began his work in lithium-ion batteries in 1993, working for Panasonic, where he created alliances and joint development programs to advance lithium-ion rechargeable batteries for portable applications.
Kelty’s team will be responsible for a decisive piece of GM’s electrification strategy, bringing together the company’s already strong battery development resources with manufacturing expertise to more quickly deliver profitable, lower-cost, higher performing electric vehicles to customers in large numbers.
“For more than 30 years, I’ve been focused on helping develop and commercialize battery technologies that will aid in the transition to electric transportation. Joining GM creates an even bigger opportunity to help the industry make the switch and have a lasting impact on our planet,” said Kelty.
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