LG Energy Solution, GM Expands EV Battery Manufacturing Capacity

LG Chem’s subsidiary LG Energy Solution and General Motors Company announced they would partner for another battery cell manufacturing facility. According to GM spokesperson Dan Flores, LG Energy Solution and GM plan to establish a second battery cell plant in the US through the Ultium Cells LLC joint venture. Under the Ultium Cells project, LG Chem and GM would establish a mass-production plant for Ultium electric vehicle battery cells.

In line with the Ultium Cell venture, the two companies will build a facility similar to their Ohio battery plant. When the Ohio plant’s construction finishes, it will become one of the world’s biggest battery cell manufacturers. Additionally, LG Chem’s EV battery manufacturing subsidiary already operates a lab for advanced battery technologies in Michigan with GM.

EV Battery Manufacturing Expansion

Currently, LG Energy Solution and GM are negotiating with state officials from Tennessee, where they plan to construct the facility. Although both companies have not yet released further details, officials expect the construction to transpire near GM’s Spring Hill factory. Once the joint venture partners finalize the Tennessee facility deal, they can supply hundreds of thousands of EV batteries yearly.

According to the two companies’ representatives, the battery facility expansion is a response to meet the growing EV market demands. Due to the rising electrification developments within auto manufacturers, analysts are anticipating EV battery shortages. LG Chem’s Senior Managing Director Jang Seung-Se stated that LG Chem is discussing increasing battery cell production with GM. Moreover, LG Energy Solution targets to excel in US markets and continue developing manufacturing sites and EV battery supply chains. Following its goal of becoming all-electric by 2035, GM is slowly phasing out gasoline and diesel engine models.

“LG Energy Solution is also planning an additional capacity expansion for other global OEMs (original equipment manufacturer) located in the US,” said the company. Aside from the battery cell facilities, LG Energy Solution partnered with GM in releasing an innovative EV powered with the Ultium battery platform, showcased at the CES 2021. In addition to the GM collaborations, LG Energy Solution plans to expand battery production to support other car manufacturers.