General Motors (GM) is leading the charge in transforming U.S. battery production and EV competitiveness. At the recent SAFE Summit in Washington, D.C., Kurt Kelty, GM’s VP of Battery, Propulsion, and Sustainability, outlined the automaker’s vision for the future of battery technology in the U.S.
General Motors is scaling U.S. production, establishing a strong North American supply chain, and developing next-gen technology that’s more affordable and competitive globally. This multi-pronged strategy is not just about advancing battery technology—it’s about positioning the U.S. as a leader in the global electric vehicle race.
Through Ultium Cells, the joint venture with LG Energy Solution, General Motors is North America’s largest OEM battery cell producer. This collaboration has helped the automaker become the second best-seller of electric vehicles in the United States, with Q1 2025 EV sales soaring by 49%. GM offers one of the industry’s most diverse EV portfolios, which includes over a dozen models, catering to a wide range of customer preferences.
But GM’s efforts don’t stop at cell production. The upcoming joint venture with Samsung SDI, launching in 2027, will produce prismatic cells, further enhancing the flexibility in battery design to optimize performance for different vehicle types. This expansion of battery technology options ensures that GM can drive innovation across its full range of electric vehicles.
GM is also focused on developing a resilient North American supply chain. Batteries are the heart of electric vehicles, and sourcing critical materials like lithium, manganese, and nickel locally is a priority. The automaker is committed to investing in domestic production of these key materials, as well as components like cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, and separators. By 2028, the company aims to increase North American content in its battery supply chain eightfold, reducing its reliance on overseas imports and improving overall supply chain security.
Battery innovation is another critical pillar of GM’s strategy. The company is engineering the right battery for the right vehicle by optimizing for performance, cost, and range across its growing portfolio. A notable example is GM’s use of prismatic cells, which reduce battery module components by 75% and total pack components by 50%. This innovation, combined with low-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, is expected to reduce battery pack costs by up to $6,000 in models like the Chevrolet Silverado EV, delivering more range and value for customers.
Behind these technological advancements is GM’s commitment to American research and development. The company invests about $7 billion annually in R&D in the U.S., focusing on the future of battery technology, manufacturing, and electric vehicle performance. At the Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center in Warren, Michigan, GM’s in-house R&D team is working on next-generation battery chemistries that bridge the gap between energy density and cost. The Battery Cell Development Center, also under construction in Warren, will accelerate the transition from lab innovations to large-scale production, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in EV technology.
With a bold vision for the future, GM is positioning itself and the U.S. to compete—and win—on the global stage. The automaker’s commitment to scaling battery production, localizing supply chains, and advancing cutting-edge technologies not only strengthens its position in the EV market but also supports American manufacturing jobs and technological leadership.
