GM On Track To Produce One Million EVs Thanks To New Canadian Facility
The new venture is expected to lower the cost of its battery packs significantly.
Over the past year, General Motors has gotten to a strong start with its electric vehicle revolution. What started off with a troublesome battery scandal for the current generation Chevrolet Bolt range has transitioned into a conclusive strategy that will aid the group in creating a conclusive electrified car range by 2030.
So far, the automotive group has pledged a $7 billion investment towards the development of four manufacturing sites in Michigan in preparation for its upcoming EV projects. This is just one of many strategical decisions that are being made to consolidate its path towards the net carbon-neutral production of vehicles. The next plan of action that was officially announced in December last year will be massively beneficial for its local supply chain.
The most recent addition to this strategy is GM’s announcement that it will be expanding its North America-focused EV supply chain in conjunction with Canada’s POSCO Chemical. These two organizations will be working together to construct a $400 million facility in Becancour, Quebec that will create cathode active material (CAM) to be used in battery packs for its upcoming Ultium platform products.
Thus, cars such as the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Hummer EV, and Cadillac Lyriq will all benefit from this venture. POSCO Chemical will hold a majority stake in the partnership that is set to create 200 new jobs. With the construction of the new site, GM says that more expansion opportunities that can refine its local supply chain will become more likely.
Speaking about the collaboration is GM’s executive vice president for Global Product Development, Purchasing, and Supply Chain, Doug Parks, who says, “GM and our supplier partners are creating a new, more secure and more sustainable ecosystem for EVs, built on a foundation of North American resources, technology, and manufacturing expertise.
“Canada is playing an important role in our all-electric future, and we are grateful for the strong support we have received from local, provincial, and national officials to grow a North American-focused EV value chain.” GM explains that this partnership is crucial because the CAM takes up 40% of the battery cell’s cost as it includes materials such as nickel, lithium, and other materials.