General Motors has always been at the forefront of the electric vehicle industry, with the Chevy Volt being one of its most successful models to date. But now, as the company ramps up its EV production, it looks like GM is also changing its approach on how to source battery cells. In a recent interview with Reuters, GM CEO Mary Barra said that the company is open to different sources for battery cells and willing to be flexible in order to meet their production goals. This marks a shift from GM’s previous stance on battery cell sourcing which had been more rigid. In this blog post, we’ll look at why GM is making this move and what this shift could mean for the future of electric vehicles.
GM’s plans to ramp up EV production
GM is planning to ramp up EV production in the coming years. The company is flexible on battery cells and is looking at a variety of options to increase production. GM is also working on increasing its charging infrastructure and expanding its EV offerings.
The importance of battery cells in EVs
GM CEO Mary Barra said the company is flexible on where it sources battery cells for its electric vehicles as it ramps up production.
“We’re going to source the best technology and the best economics as we launch these vehicles,” Barra said at a conference in Detroit.
GM has been working with LG Chem on battery cell technology for its EVs, but it has also been in talks with other suppliers.
The company is expected to launch its first all-electric vehicle, the Chevy Bolt, later this year.
Barra’s comments come as the auto industry is making a major shift to electrification. Nearly every major automaker has announced plans to launch EVs in the coming years, and battery cells will be a critical component of those vehicles.
GM’s options for sourcing battery cells
GM is not wedded to any particular supplier for battery cells as it looks to ramp up production of electric vehicles, Chief Executive Mary Barra said on Thursday.
The company has been in talks with a number of suppliers and is open to sourcing cells from multiple suppliers, she told Reuters in an interview.
“We’re going to source based on who can give us the best technology, the best cost and the best scale,” Barra said. “We’re not tied to any one supplier.”
GM plans to launch 20 new electric vehicles by 2023 and is already working with LG Chem Ltd, Samsung SDI Co Ltd and China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) on batteries.
