GM and Samsung SDI announced Tuesday that they will form a joint venture to manufacture batteries.
In a release, the companies made it clear that the joint venture, which started with more than $3 billion, will not initially produce batteries that directly replace or complement the brand’s Ultium cell strategy developed by the company. Developed with LG.
According to the announcement, the new plant will produce “high-performance, nickel-rich prismatic and cylindrical batteries that will be exclusively supplied to GM’s upcoming electric vehicles.” The form factor will make them markedly different from the very large vesicle cells that GM has in three plants being developed and manufactured with Ultium Cells LLC.
GM Ultium battery – cell stacking
Cylindrical cells can be more easily integrated in low-profile vehicles than those large-format pocket cells—making them prime candidates for low- or low-performance electric cars or aerodynamically efficient, sporty sedan. GM confirmed a future electric corvetteand such an arrangement could feasibly be extended to a replacement camaro power.
The new plant, once expanded, will have a capacity of more than 30 gigawatt hours. Mass production there will begin in 2026.
The diversification in format is not a surprise. GM in January emphasized that the Ultium platform itself is chemical agnostic and that pockets, prismatic or Cylindrical cells can be compatible. GM has used prismatic cells in a number of Ultium-based vehicles for China, including the Cadillac Lyriq for the Chinese market.
Chevrolet FNR-XE Concept – GM China
GM also confirmed this morning that Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV will stop production in late 2023 as Orion Council in Michigan switch to electric truck. GM and Honda are working together for joint replacement architecture for affordable EVs that would underpin Bolt’s replacement and use of “next-generation Ultium battery technology,” according to GM. That doesn’t seem to be related to this message.
Chevrolet Bolt EUV 2022
According to the report, Samsung’s new joint venture facility will replace the fourth facility from Ultium Cells, GM’s joint venture with LG. The Associated Press specifically reports that the Chevrolet Bolt battery is defective behind the fire-related recall have a role in it decide – although LG refunds GM about $1.9 billion for this problem.
