The joint venture between General Motors (NYSE) and LG Energy Solution will change the Spring Hill, Tennessee battery cell manufacturing operation to scale production of low-cost lithium iron phosphate battery cells(LFP), building on a $2.3 billion investment announced in 2021.* Conversion of battery cell lines at Spring Hill to produce LFP cells will begin later this year, with commercial production forecast by late 2027. The Spring Hill facility currently employs ~1300 people.**
“At GM, we’re innovating battery technology to deliver the best mix of range, performance, and affordability to our EV customers,” said Kurt Kelty, VP of batteries, propulsion, and sustainability at GM. “This upgrade at Spring Hill will enable us to scale production of lower-cost LFP cell technologies in the U.S., complementing our high-nickel and future lithium manganese rich solutions and further diversifying our growing EV portfolio.”
GM’s flexible EV platform is said to be designed to enable the quick integration of multiple cell chemistries and form factors. The Ultium Cells plant in Warren, Ohio will continue producing cells with nickel cobalt manganese aluminum chemistry, which will allow the ongoing sale of GM crossovers with more than 300 miles of range on a charge. “With LFP battery technology, GM is targeting significant battery pack cost savings compared to today’s high-nickel battery pack while increasing consumer EV choice,” GM said in a release.
“The upgrade reflects the continued strength of our partnership with General Motors and our shared commitment to advancing EV battery innovation,” said Wonjoon Suh, executive VP and head of the Advanced Automotive Battery division at LG Energy Solution. “We will bring our extensive experience and expertise in U.S. manufacturing to the joint venture facility, further accelerating our efforts to deliver new chemistries and form factors that effectively capture the unmet needs in the EV market.”
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**Ultium Cells is a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution that mass-produces battery cells. Ultium Cells provides battery cell capacity to support GM’s North American electric vehicle assembly capacity, while also supporting GM’s plans to supply other automotive companies and other industries including rail, aerospace, heavy trucking, and marine customers.


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