Ultium Cells Expands Tennessee Plant to Boost Affordable EV Battery Production
Kurt Kelty, GM’s Vice President of Batteries, Propulsion, and Sustainability, emphasized the company's mission to innovate in battery technology for better customer value. “At GM, we’re innovating battery technology to deliver the best mix of range, performance, and affordability to our EV customers,” he said. “This upgrade at Spring Hill will enable us to scale production of lower-cost LFP cell technologies in the U.S., complementing our high-nickel and future lithium manganese rich solutions and further diversifying our growing EV portfolio."
Enhancing EV Affordability and Choice
The Spring Hill facility upgrade builds on a $2.3 billion investment first announced in 2021. By adding LFP battery cell production, Ultium Cells aims to help lower battery pack costs compared to traditional high-nickel designs — a move that could make EVs more accessible for a broader range of consumers.
Key benefits of LFP battery technology include:
- Lower overall battery costs
- Improved consumer choice in the EV market
- Enhanced manufacturing flexibility to integrate various battery chemistries
GM’s flexible EV platform is designed to quickly adopt different battery chemistries and formats. While its Warren, Ohio plant will continue producing nickel cobalt manganese aluminum (NCMA) cells—known for enabling over 300 miles of range per charge—Spring Hill’s shift to LFP production promises a more budget-friendly option for future models.
Strengthening U.S. Manufacturing and Innovation
Wonjoon Suh, Executive Vice President at LG Energy Solution, highlighted the strength of the GM-LG partnership: “The upgrade reflects the continued strength of our partnership with General Motors and our shared commitment to advancing EV battery innovation. We will bring our extensive experience and expertise in U.S. manufacturing to the joint venture facility, further accelerating our efforts to deliver new chemistries and form factors that effectively capture the unmet needs in the EV market.”
Currently employing around 1,300 people, the Spring Hill facility’s expansion will not only support local job growth but also reinforce the U.S. position in global battery innovation.
Stuart C. McWhorter, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, praised the investment, stating, “Ultium Cells’ additional investment and commitment to innovating and enhancing its Spring Hill operations is a testament to the state’s longstanding, cohesive partnerships, which started with General Motors, and grew to include LG Energy Solution in 2021, and we stand ready to continue supporting these companies and their joint venture for years to come.”
A Long-Term Commitment to Innovation and Community
Kee Eun, President and CEO of Ultium Cells, underscored the long-term vision behind the investment. “We are grateful for the continued partnership and support we've received from the State of Tennessee as we continue to advance our lead in EV battery cell manufacturing. This investment expands our capabilities beyond a single battery cell chemistry, allowing us to produce new chemistries alongside our existing cells. Expanding our product portfolio ensures Ultium Cells will remain at the forefront of battery cell innovation and sustain our commitment to be a stable, long-term employer for the communities we serve.”
Learn More
Ultium Cells supports GM’s push for a zero-emission, all-electric future by providing battery capacity for GM and other industries such as rail, aerospace, and marine sectors. To learn more, visit www.ultiumcell.com.
