GM faucets ex-Tesla battery chief to ship cheaper EVs sooner

Common Motors has employed former Tesla battery-development boss Kurt Kelty as its new vp of batteries.

On this newly-created place, Kelty can be tasked with bringing collectively GM’s improvement sources “to extra shortly ship worthwhile, lower-cost, larger performing electrical autos to prospects at scale,” and can report on to GM president Mark Reuss, the automaker stated in a press launch.

GM Ultium battery – cell stacking

Kelty was most not too long ago vp of battery agency Sila, serving to to push adoption of that firm’s silicon anode tech that is slated to be used within the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQG electrical SUV. Previous to that, Kelty led the battery improvement crew at Tesla for 11 years and drove the creation of that automaker’s Nevada “Gigafactory” with Panasonic, which was additionally the corporate that received Kelty began with lithium-ion batteries, in 1993.

“For greater than 30 years, I have been centered on serving to develop and commercialize battery applied sciences that may assist within the transition to electrical transportation,” Kelty stated in a press release. “Becoming a member of GM creates an excellent greater alternative to assist the trade make the swap and have a long-lasting affect on our planet.”

GM’s manufacturing ramp on its Ultium-powered EVs has been going very slowly, reportedly on account of provide of batteries. That is precipitated GM to overlook manufacturing targets and certain pushed the launch of more-affordable EVs farther out.

2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV

In the meantime, GM CEO Mary Barra has underscored that the corporate is versatile on battery cells in its EV ramp. That led to the announcement final 12 months {that a} new three way partnership with Samsung will make cylindrical batteries—maybe good for lower-profile, extra environment friendly autos, or sports activities vehicles. GM additionally final 12 months acquired the battery-health startup ALGOLiON, and earlier this week it confirmed plans to spend $19 billion on sourcing battery uncooked supplies from LG Chem by way of 2035.

As of but, the Chevy Equinox EV is because of begin at $34,995, with an estimated 319 miles of vary, making it the lowest-cost Ultium EV introduced to this point. The next-generation Bolt EV can have an LFP battery pack and is predicted to price lower than that. EV tax credit score apart, neither of those fashions fairly problem the worth of internal-combustion autos.