- General Motors is embracing cheaper lithium iron phosphate battery packs.
- They’ll be built in Tennessee and production is slated to begin in late 2027.
- The new batteries promise “significant” savings compared to other chemistries.
Last month, General Motors announced Fairfax Assembly would begin building the redesigned Chevrolet Bolt by the end of the year. That was expected, but the company also teased future investments for their “next-generation of affordable EVs.”
GM is now doubling down on affordable electric vehicles as their Ultium Cells plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee will be upgraded to produce “low-cost” lithium iron phosphate batteries. Work will begin later this year and production is scheduled to start in late 2027.
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The automaker isn’t saying much, but they’re “targeting significant battery pack cost savings” by embracing lithium iron phosphate technology. They noted the move also increases consumer choice as the company will continue to offer batteries with a nickel cobalt manganese aluminum chemistry.
GM’s vice president of batteries, propulsion, and sustainability 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.”
There’s no word on which vehicles will be equipped with lithium iron phosphate batteries, but nearby Spring Hill Manufacturing makes the Cadillac Lyriq and Vistiq. However, the batteries are likely destined for affordable EVs and not luxury models.
GM Still Focused On LMR Batteries
While GM is excited about LFP batteries, President Mark Reuss focused on their recently announced lithium manganese rich (LMR) chemistry. He noted construction at the Ancker-Johnson Battery Cell Development Center in Michigan hit a milestone last month when the final steel beam was hoisted into place.
Once the facility opens, its first task is to “advance LMR batteries into production before anyone else.” Reuss added the center will “help reduce development times for new batteries by as much as a year.”
