General Motors and LG Energy Solution are extending their 14-year battery technology partnership to include prismatic cell development.
GM expects the prismatic cell technology developed under the agreement to power future GM electric vehicles, as part of the company’s strategy to diversify its supply chain, leveraging multiple chemistries and form factors. GM will continue to leverage the Ultium Cells plants in Warren, Ohio and Spring Hill, Tennessee, which produce pouch battery cells, to meet growing demand for its electric vehicles.
Prismatic cells feature a flat, rectangular shape with a rigid enclosure, which allows for space-efficient packaging within battery modules and packs. That approach can reduce EV weight and cost, while simplifying manufacturing by reducing the number of modules and mechanical components. LG Energy Solution has both experience with prismatic cell production and an extensive patent portfolio on battery design and manufacturing technologies, including packaging.
GM is embracing a technology agnostic approach to battery cells, to optimize for range, performance, and charging speed, improving the experience for every EV driver.
“Together with LG Energy Solution, we’ve built Ultium Cells into one of the largest battery cell manufacturers in North America, creating thousands of advanced technology jobs in the U.S. and powering our diverse EV portfolio,” said Kurt Kelty, GM vice president of battery cell and pack. “We’re focused on optimizing our battery technology by developing the right battery chemistries and form factors to improve EV performance, enhance safety, and reduce costs. By extending our partnership with LG Energy Solution, we’re taking an important step toward these goals.”
Ultium Cells has created thousands of jobs in the U.S. in Ohio and Tennessee. The battery cells produced at these plants power GM’s latest EVs including the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, Cadillac LYRIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV and Chevrolet Equinox EV, as well as the GMC HUMMER EV Pickup and SUV.
In a related news, GM has reached a non-binding agreement to sell its stake in the nearly completed Ultium Cells battery cell plant in Lansing, Michigan to its joint venture partner LG Energy Solution. The transaction is expected to close in the 2025 first quarter, subject to customary closing conditions.
GM expects to recoup its investment in the facility. The transaction does not change GM’s ownership interest in Ultium Cells LLC. GM will continue to leverage the Ultium Cells plants in Warren, Ohio and Spring Hill, Tennessee to meet growing demand for its electric vehicles. LG Energy Solution will have immediate access to the nearly completed Lansing facility to begin the installation of equipment.
