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GM’s battery chief reflects on a year of breakthroughs, from scaling Ultium production to next-gen cell innovation, as the company accelerates its all-electric future. GM’s battery chief reflects on a year of breakthroughs, from scaling Ultium production to next-gen cell innovation, as the company accelerates its all-electric future.

What GM’s Top Battery Expert Discovered in His First Year on the Job

GM’s battery chief reflects on a year of breakthroughs, from scaling Ultium production to next-gen cell innovation, as the company accelerates its all-electric future.

GM’s Battery Roadmap: A Year of Innovation and a Look Ahead

One year into his role at General Motors, Kurt Kelty, VP of Battery, Propulsion, and Sustainability, reflects on the company’s rapid progress in EV battery technology and its vision for the future.

After three decades in the battery industry, Kelty was drawn to GM’s ambitious push toward an all-electric future, with a diverse lineup of EVs powered by scalable battery technology.

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GM’s battery chief reflects on a year of breakthroughs, from scaling Ultium production to next-gen cell innovation, as the company accelerates its all-electric future.
What GM’s Top Battery Expert Discovered in His First Year on the Job.

A Breakthrough Year in 2024

GM’s EV success in 2024 was driven by scaling production, reducing costs, and improving performance. Key milestones included:

  • Investment in Innovation: GM expanded its battery R&D footprint with the Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center and a new Battery Cell Development Center in Michigan, accelerating next-generation battery advancements.
  • Scaling Production: The Ultium Cells joint venture with LG Energy Solution surpassed 100 million battery cells produced at its Ohio plant, helping drive down costs through vertical integration.
  • Strategic Partnerships: GM deepened its collaboration with LG Energy Solution to develop prismatic battery cells and announced a new joint venture with Samsung SDI to manufacture cells in the U.S.
GM’s battery chief reflects on a year of breakthroughs, from scaling Ultium production to next-gen cell innovation, as the company accelerates its all-electric future.
What GM’s Top Battery Expert Discovered in His First Year on the Job.

What’s Ahead for 2025

GM is focusing on technological advancements, cost reduction, and strengthening its North American EV supply chain:

  • Advancing Battery Technology: GM is refining next-generation cell chemistries and form factors to improve energy density, charging speed, and sustainability.
  • Lowering Costs: A projected $30/kWh reduction in battery costs is expected through manufacturing innovations and materials optimization, making EVs more accessible.
  • Boosting North American Leadership: GM continues to localize battery production, secure raw material agreements, and lead infrastructure investments to enhance EV adoption.

Kelty sees 2025 as a pivotal year in driving EV affordability and innovation, solidifying GM’s position at the forefront of the electric revolution.

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ByChloe Cawood
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