Kurt Kelty, GM's vice president of batteries, stated at an investor event, "It now makes business sense to transition from one-size-fits-all to new program-specific batteries." This indicates a fundamental shift in strategy as GM moves away from its previous unified Ultium battery system. The switch to program-specific batteries is expected to optimize production and fit for the varying needs across its EV lineup, leading to potential cost savings.
GM anticipates that shifting from nickel cobalt manganese chemistry to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology could lower the cost of its EVs by as much as $6,000. The company aims to leverage LFP cells, which are not only cheaper but also seen as less complex to manufacture. This change reflects GM's strategy to remain competitive with other automakers like Tesla and Ford who are already utilizing LFP configurations.
As GM seeks to increase its EV profitability, it is on track to produce around 200,000 EVs this year, positioning it as the second largest EV seller in North America behind Tesla. This goal underscores their commitment to enhancing production efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market.
GM is planning to construct a new battery research facility at the Warren Tech Center in Michigan, where researchers will explore various battery formats including cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch styles. This facility will also focus on researching alternative chemistries, indicating GM's dedication to innovation within its EV battery technology.
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