Inside General Motors' Search for a Secure EV Battery Future

General Motors (GM) has struck an important agreement with Vianode, a Norwegian company specialising in advanced materials.
This multi-year, multi-billion-dollar partnership will see the companies focus on collaborating on the supply of synthetic graphite anode materials vital for EV batteries.
In recent weeks, global battery supply chains have been bracing, following the news that China may restrict all exports of battery technology and its constituent materials.
So, this contract is particularly significant, as it reduces GM's reliance on a potentially precarious supplier.
Synthetic graphite from this deal will be a key component in batteries built by Ultium Cells, a joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution. The engagement spans from 2027 — coinciding with the launch of Vianode's North American production facility — to 2033.
“The project will help advance our battery technology and drive greater value to our customers,” says Jeff Morrison, Senior Vice President of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain at GM.
A strategic partnership
A key aspect of this partnership is addressing the challenge posed by China's current dominance over approximately 95% of the global graphite supply, which has spurred Western automakers and governments to seek alternative sources and reduce reliance on imports.
“The entire EV ecosystem depends upon the import of one critical mineral,” states Burkhard Straube, CEO at Vianode. “What we and General Motors want is a resilient supply chain for North America.”
The planned Vianode facility in either the US or Canada will be located strategically near GM and LG's battery production stations .
Despite ongoing negotiations keeping the location confidential, the initial phase targets an annual production of around 80,000 tons of synthetic graphite by 2030, which could support up to 1.5 million EVs.
Additionally, Vianode already operates a facility in Herøya, Norway, and has discussions in place to supply other automakers, illustrating the company's scalable potential in the EV market.
A sustainable and scalable approach
Notably, Vianode's synthetic graphite is produced with an impressive 90% lower CO2 footprint compared to traditional methods, presenting a more sustainable alternative.
This eco-friendly production process, combined with the inherent scalability advantages over mined graphite, positions the company as an attractive partner for automakers like GM.
The capability to rapidly scale production is pivotal, particularly as global demand for EV battery surges and aligns with broader sustainability targets set by industries and governments worldwide.
“The EV industry is still growing and exploring a new mine will take a decade, maybe longer. You can build another plant with synthetic graphite in two or three years.”
Revolutionising the EV landscape
Through this monumental partnership, GM not only bolsters its EV battery technology but also significantly diminishes its dependency on volatile international supply chains.
By strategically investing in synthetic graphite, GM reinforces its stature within the EV sector and contributes positively to establishing a sustainable and resilient North American supply chain.
Anticipation grows as production is earmarked to start in 2027, set to transform the EV supply chain sphere and aid the industry's shift towards a greener, more sustainable future.
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