GM is investing heavily in U.S. battery technology to make EVs cheaper, longer-range, and less dependent on overseas supply chains. Battery chief Kurt Kelty highlighted new research facilities, advanced cell designs, and GM’s plan to commercialize lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries by 2028, offering a balance of range and affordability for trucks and SUVs.
GM has also recently completed a closed-loop EV battery recycling pilot, recycling 80 end-of-life EV batteries into more than 12 metric tons of cathode material made with 100% recycled nickel, cobalt, and manganese. After meeting the same safety and performance standards as new materials, GM used the recycled content in batteries for new GM EVs, including the Cadillac LYRIQ, ESCALADE IQ, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and GMC Sierra EV.
GM is also giving retired batteries a second life through AI data centers, microgrids, and energy storage. Working with Redwood Materials, the company plans to deploy about 10,000 used EV batteries in energy infrastructure before their materials are eventually recycled.
A major part of GM’s strategy is reducing dependence on China’s dominance of the battery supply chain. The company is expanding U.S. production of cathode materials, one of the most important and expensive components of an EV battery, while developing supply chains that rely less on Chinese companies and technology, according to The Information. GM also plans to bring more critical-mineral processing and battery-component production to North America, with North American battery-cell content targeted to increase eightfold by 2028.
