As GM’s proprietary Ultium battery technology is at the heart of its strategy to compete for nearly every EV customer in the marketplace, Ultium Cells LLC, its JV with LG Energy Solution, has firmed up plans to set up its second plant in the US.
GM’s future Ultium-powered EVs are designed for Level-2 and DC fast charging. Most vehicles will have 400-volt battery packs and up to 200 kW fast charging capability, while GM’s truck platform will have 800-volt battery packs and 350 kW fast charging capability.
The global OEM is looking at catering to the EV segment in affordable transportation, luxury vehicles, work trucks, commercial trucks or high-performance machines. Therefore, expanding its Ultium cell manufacturing capabilities has become critical.
Towards this objective, Ultium Cells LLC will invest about $2.3 billion to build its second battery cell manufacturing plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, US. The 2.8 million-square-foot facility will create 1,300 new jobs and is scheduled to open in late 2023. Once operational, the facility will supply battery cells to GM’s Spring Hill assembly plant.
The state-of-the-art plant in Spring Hill will use advanced and efficient battery cell manufacturing processes. The plant will be flexible and able to adapt to ongoing advances in technology and materials.
Ultium batteries are unique because the large-format, pouch-style cells can be stacked vertically or horizontally inside the battery pack. It allows engineers to optimise battery energy storage and layout for each vehicle design. Energy options range from 50 to 200 kilowatt-hours, which could enable a GM-estimated range up to 450 miles or more on a full charge with zero to 60 mph acceleration in three seconds.
Mary Barra, Chairman and CEO, GM, said, “The addition of our second all-new Ultium battery cell plant in the US with our joint venture partner LG Energy Solution is another major step in our transition to an all-electric future. The support of the state of Tennessee was an important factor in making this investment in Spring Hill possible, and this type of support will be critical moving forward as we continue to take steps to transition our manufacturing footprint to support EV production.”
Jonghyun Kim, President and CEO, LG Energy Solution, said, “This partnership with General Motors will transform Tennessee into another key location for electric vehicle and battery production. It will allow us to build solid and stable US-based supply chains that enable everything from research, product development and production to the procurement of raw components. Importantly, I truly believe this coming together transcends a partnership as it marks a defining moment that will reduce emissions and help to accelerate the adoption of EVs.”