Ultium Cells LLC represents a strategic collaboration between General Motors (GM) and LG Energy Solution, established to produce high-capacity battery cells for electric vehicles (EVs). The company’s manufacturing facilities contribute significantly to North America’s transition toward electric mobility. Through advanced production methods and substantial investments in manufacturing infrastructure, Ultium Cells aims to support GM’s objective of achieving more than 1 million units of EV capacity in North America by mid-decade.
Battery Technology
The company specializes in manufacturing large-format pouch cells using nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum (NCMA) chemistry. These cells feature a modular design that enables flexible configurations across various vehicle types and sizes. A notable innovation is the wireless Battery Management System (wBMS), developed with Analog Devices, which minimizes wiring requirements and reduces overall system volume.
Ultium Cells produces batteries with multiple chemistry variations, including nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) and plans for lithium iron phosphate implementations. The manufacturing process incorporates advanced quality control measures and automated systems to ensure consistent cell production. The company’s technical specifications allow for ranges exceeding 400 miles on a single charge, depending on the vehicle configuration.
The battery technology integrates seamlessly with GM’s broader Ultium platform, supporting various vehicle designs from compact cars to large SUVs. This versatility stems from the cells’ ability to stack vertically or horizontally, accommodating different energy requirements and vehicle architectures.
Recent Projects
In March 2024, Ultium Cells initiated battery cell shipments from its Spring Hill, Tennessee facility, which features an expanded production capacity of 50 GWh annually. The company also announced plans for its Lansing, Michigan facility to begin operations by late 2024, adding 41 GWh of annual production capacity. Additionally, construction continues on a fourth facility in New Carlisle, Indiana, developed in partnership with Samsung SDI, scheduled for completion in 2026.
Investors
The primary investors in Ultium Cells LLC are General Motors and LG Energy Solution, with each holding equal stakes in the joint venture. The company received significant financial support through a $2.5 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy in December 2022, designated for constructing manufacturing facilities in Ohio, Tennessee, and Michigan. The initial joint venture investment totaled $2.3 billion, with an additional $275 million allocated for expanding the Spring Hill facility.
Business Details
Location: Warren, Ohio, USA
Website: https://ultiumcell.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/69114645
