GM hires ex-Tesla executive as VP of battery unit

By REUTERS | 8 February 2024


DETROIT: General Motors today named former Tesla Inc executive Kurt Kelty (inset) to the newly created role of vice president of its battery unit.

Kelty led Tesla's battery development team for 11 years and played a key role in setting up Tesla's first Gigafactory, before joining silicon anode maker Sila Nanotechnologies.

The move comes as GM is working to boost battery manufacturing to support its target of building capacity to produce 1 million electric vehicles in North America by 2025.

Reuters reported last year that a slow ramp-up of its three US battery plants could limit actual EV production.

The top-selling US automaker said last month it expects overall EV sales will rise this year to 10% of the US market from 7% in 2023.

GM also said it will launch plug-in hybrid vehicles in North America as hybrid sales have been rising.

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