Ultium Cells Expands Spring Hill for Low-Cost LFP EV Batteries
Ultium Cells LLC—a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution—will upgrade its Spring Hill, Tennessee, battery plant to scale production of low-cost lithium-iron-phosphate battery cells, building on the US$2.3 billion investment announced in 2021. The company will start converting the existing lines later this year and aims to launch commercial output by late 2027, cementing Spring Hill’s role in American electric-vehicle battery production.
“At GM, we’re innovating battery technology to deliver the best mix of range, performance, and affordability to our EV customers,” said Kurt Kelty, VP of batteries, propulsion, and sustainability at GM. He explained that the Spring Hill upgrade enables the firm to manufacture lower-cost LFP cells in the United States, complementing both high-nickel and future lithium-manganese-rich chemistries, while broadening GM’s electric-vehicle portfolio.
GM’s flexible electric-vehicle platform already integrates multiple cell chemistries and form factors with ease. While the Ultium Cells plant in Warren, Ohio, continues to produce nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminium cells—powering crossovers that exceed 300 miles on a charge—LFP technology will significantly trim battery-pack costs and give motorists more choice.
“The upgrade reflects the continued strength of our partnership with General Motors and our shared commitment to advancing EV battery innovation,” said Wonjoon Suh, executive VP and head of the Advanced Automotive Battery division at LG Energy Solution. “We will bring our extensive experience and expertise in U.S. manufacturing to the joint venture facility, further accelerating our efforts to deliver new chemistries and form factors that effectively capture the unmet needs in the EV market.”
Approximately 1,300 people are already employed at Spring Hill. By adding the capacity to build several chemistries, the site will drive American battery innovation and enhance consumer choice in the rapidly growing electric-vehicle market.
“Ultium Cells’ additional investment and commitment to innovating and enhancing its Spring Hill operations is a testament to the state’s longstanding, cohesive partnerships, which started with General Motors, and grew to include LG Energy Solution in 2021, and we stand ready to continue supporting these companies and their joint venture for years to come,” said Stuart C. McWhorter, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
“We are grateful for the continued partnership and support we've received from the State of Tennessee as we continue to advance our lead in EV battery cell manufacturing,” added Kee Eun, President and CEO of Ultium Cells. “This investment expands our capabilities beyond a single battery cell chemistry, allowing us to produce new chemistries alongside our existing cells. Expanding our product portfolio ensures Ultium Cells will remain at the forefront of battery cell innovation and sustain our commitment to be a stable, long-term employer for the communities we serve.”
Ultium Cells mass-produces battery cells that underpin GM’s plan for a zero-emissions, all-electric future. The venture supplies GM’s North American vehicle assembly plants and aims to serve other automotive, rail, aerospace, heavy-trucking, and marine customers, accelerating the transition to sustainable transport.