Ultium Cells to upgrade plant: Low-cost EV battery cells

NEW YORK: Ultium Cells LLC, a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution, will upgrade its Spring Hill, Tennessee battery cell manufacturing facility to scale production of low-cost lithium iron phosphate battery cells.

This will build on a US$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 expected by late 2027.

The Ultium Cells plant in Warren, Ohio will continue producing cells with nickel cobalt manganese aluminum chemistry, which has been key to GM delivering a range of crossovers with more than 482km 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.

“The upgrade reflects the continued strength of our partnership with General Motors and our shared commitment to advancing EV battery innovation,” said LG Energy Solution executive VP and head of the Advanced Automotive Battery division Wonjoon Suh.

The Spring Hill facility currently employs about 1,300 people.

“We are grateful for the continued partnership and support we've received from the State of Tennessee as we continue to advance our lead in EV battery cell manufacturing,” said Ultium Cells President and CEO Kee Eun.

“This investment expands our capabilities beyond a single battery cell chemistry, allowing us to produce new chemistries alongside our existing cells.”