Basic Motors has employed former Tesla battery-development boss Kurt Kelty as its new vice chairman of batteries.
On this newly-created place, Kelty will likely be tasked with bringing collectively GM’s growth assets “to extra shortly ship worthwhile, lower-cost, increased performing electrical autos to prospects at scale,” and can report on to GM president Mark Reuss, the automaker stated in a press launch Thursday.
GM Ultium battery – cell stacking
Kelty was most lately vice chairman of battery agency Sila, serving to to push adoption of that firm’s silicon anode tech that is slated to be used within the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQG electrical SUV. Previous to that, Kelty led the battery growth group at Tesla for 11 years and drove the creation of that automaker’s Nevada “Gigafactory” with Panasonic, which was additionally the corporate that received Kelty began with lithium-ion batteries in 1993.
“For greater than 30 years, I have been targeted on serving to develop and commercialize battery applied sciences that may assist within the transition to electrical transportation,” Kelty stated in a press release. “Becoming a member of GM creates an excellent greater alternative to assist the business make the swap and have an enduring influence on our planet.”
GM’s manufacturing ramp on its Ultium-powered EVs has been going very slowly, reportedly as a consequence of provide of batteries. That is brought on GM to overlook manufacturing targets and certain delayed the launch of more-affordable EVs.
2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV
In the meantime, GM CEO Mary Barra has underscored that the corporate is versatile on battery cells in its EV ramp. That led to the announcement final yr {that a} new three way partnership with Samsung will make cylindrical batteries—maybe good for lower-profile, extra environment friendly autos, or sports activities vehicles. GM additionally final yr acquired the battery-health startup ALGOLiON, and earlier this week it confirmed plans to spend $19 billion on sourcing battery uncooked supplies from LG Chem by means of 2035.
The Chevy Equinox EV is because of begin at $34,995, with an estimated 319 miles of vary, making it the lowest-cost Ultium EV introduced thus far. The following-generation Bolt EV may have an LFP battery pack and is anticipated to price lower than that. EV tax credit score apart, neither of those fashions fairly problem the worth of similarly-sized internal-combustion autos.
