From camcorders to cutting-edge electric trucks, the evolution of battery technology over the past three decades has been nothing short of extraordinary. Now, Kurt Kelty, Vice President of Battery, Propulsion, and Sustainability at General Motors, says the next great leap is just beginning—and it’s being built in America.
Speaking at the SAFE Summit, a prominent policy forum focused on U.S. energy security and mobility, Kelty outlined GM’s ambitious roadmap for electrification, highlighting strides in battery innovation, domestic manufacturing, and supply chain localization.
Scaling Up: GM Bets Big on Battery Production
Central to GM’s strategy is scaling battery production to compete in the global electric vehicle (EV) race. Through Ultium Cells, a joint venture with LG Energy Solution, GM has become North America’s largest OEM battery cell producer, delivering world-class quality and efficiency. In Q1 alone, the automaker saw a 94% surge in EV sales, securing its place as the #2 EV seller in the U.S.
GM’s portfolio is unmatched, with a dozen EV models on the market. To further expand its technological capabilities, the company has announced a new joint venture with Samsung SDI in Indiana, slated for launch in 2027, to produce prismatic battery cells—an innovation that enhances flexibility across vehicle platforms.
Local Roots, Global Reach: Rebuilding the Supply Chain
Recognizing the critical role of materials in battery performance and reliability, GM is aggressively localizing its supply chain. From securing U.S. sources for lithium, manganese, and nickel, to domestic production of cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, and separators, the automaker is moving fast. By 2028, GM aims to increase North American battery content eightfold.
Engineering Tomorrow’s Batteries Today
Kelty emphasized GM’s unique approach: tailoring battery chemistry and form factors to match vehicle performance and customer needs. A key development includes the use of low-cost LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, which, paired with prismatic cells, can slash $6,000 per pack in vehicles like the Chevrolet Silverado EV—enhancing range and affordability.
This innovation stems from GM’s in-house R&D ecosystem, led by the Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center in Warren, Michigan. The upcoming Battery Cell Development Center, currently under construction nearby, will expedite the transition from lab breakthroughs to gigascale production.
With $7 billion invested annually in U.S. R&D, GM is doubling down on American innovation, manufacturing, and workforce development. Kelty’s message is clear: “The U.S. has the talent, technology, and demand to lead in electrification. By localizing production and delivering affordable EVs, GM is not only transforming transportation—it’s positioning the U.S. to win the global EV race.”
