General Motors has just demonstrated its strong commitment to electric vehicle advancement as it pursues plans for its $3.5 billion battery factory in Indiana, near New Carlisle.
GM pushes through with its planned battery plant
GM started the site preparation in Indiana for its $3.5 billion battery factory for heavy construction earlier this month.
The American automaker is now gearing up for the site’s landscaping, retention pond development, and the key utility installation for the main building.
Brief background
GM postponed its Indiana battery factory plans because the company’s supposed partnership with LG Energy Solution did not transpire, which involved the development of the fourth Ultium battery factory.
In hindsight, the US Energy Department approved a $2.5 billion loan for GM and LGES’ joint venture, named Ultium Cells LLC, in 2022. This significant funding would help the company in establishing three li-ion battery factories in Ohio, Tennessee, and Michigan.
However, GM pursued a partnership with Samsung SDI instead of LGES. The battery factory will manufacture cylindrical and prismatic cells. GM hopes that the new battery factory will boost its versatility in electric vehicle offerings.
GM’s EV commitment
The move demonstrates GM’s commitment to advancing in the electric vehicle industry despite CEO Mary Barra’s admission of weak sales. The GM boss also disclosed that the company plans to introduce its plug-in hybrid technology to select vehicles in the North American market.
“Let me be clear: GM remains committed to eliminating tailpipe emissions from our light-duty vehicles by 2035. But in the interim, deploying plug-in technology in strategic segments will deliver some of the environmental benefits of EVs as the nation continues to build its charging infrastructure.”
GM CEO Mary Barra
GM expects the extensive construction of its $3.5 billion cell factory to commence in 2025, with battery production starting by 2027.
