What battery does GM use?
GM primarily uses the Ultium battery system, built around nickel‑manganese‑cobalt (NMC) chemistry, with occasional LFP variants to cut costs on select trims. In short, GM's EVs run on Ultium cells supplied through a GM‑LG partnership, with LFP as a later‑stage cost option in some models.
What is Ultium and how does GM deploy it?
The Ultium platform is GM's modular, scalable battery architecture designed to power a wide range of electric vehicles. It centers on pouch‑cell chemistry that is predominantly nickel‑manganese‑cobalt (NMC) with a focus on high energy density and flexibility across different pack configurations. The cells are produced through Ultium Cells LLC, a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution, and then integrated into GM vehicles in flexible pack layouts. GM has also signaled plans to use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistries for cost‑sensitive, standard‑range variants in some models, sourced from external suppliers.
Key facts about GM's Ultium ecosystem are described below.
- Cell technology and chemistry: Ultium packs use nickel‑manganese‑cobalt (NMC) chemistry for high energy density, with a design goal of low cobalt content where feasible.
- Manufacturing and partnership: cells are produced through Ultium Cells LLC, a GM–LG Energy Solution joint venture, with production facilities in the United States to support GM’s EV rollout.
- Pack design: the Ultium system emphasizes modularity, allowing different vehicle programs to share core components and scale battery capacity as needed.
- LFP option: GM has indicated it will implement lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry for some lower‑cost, standard‑range variants to reduce material costs and improve cycle life in appropriate use cases.
These elements collectively explain why GM’s current and forthcoming electric vehicles share a common battery architecture while offering different chemistries for price and range targets.
GM models that use Ultium batteries
GM rolled Ultium into several high‑profile EV programs, with models designed to showcase the platform’s versatility. The following vehicles are or have been built on the Ultium battery system.
- Cadillac Lyriq — a flagship GM EV built on Ultium with high‑energy NMC chemistry in its packs.
- GMC Hummer EV — a performance‑focused electric vehicle that uses Ultium battery packs.
- Chevrolet Silverado EV — GM’s full‑size electric pickup powered by Ultium cells.
- Chevrolet Blazer EV — a mid‑size electric SUV leveraging the Ultium platform for multiple trim and range configurations.
GM’s strategy with Ultium aims to scale quickly across different segments, while the introduction of LFP options is intended to lower entry prices and broaden accessibility in select markets.
Why GM is mixing chemistries
Using primarily Ultium/NMC chemistry allows GM to maximize energy density and performance for long‑range models, while introducing LFP chemistries provides a lower‑cost path for standard‑range variants. This approach helps GM balance capability, cost, and supply resilience as the company expands its electrified lineup.
Overall, GM’s battery strategy centers on Ultium as the core platform, with LFP as a strategic supplement for certain value‑oriented offerings. The arrangement reflects broader industry trends toward nickel‑rich chemistries for performance and LFP for affordability, shaped by supplier partnerships and regional supply considerations.
In summary, GM primarily relies on the Ultium battery system (NMC chemistry) produced through the GM–LG joint venture, while exploring LFP options for cost‑savvy, standard‑range variants to complement the lineup as it scales its electric‑vehicle ambitions.
What brand of battery does GM use?
Ultium battery
Impressive Energy Density and Capacity
This compact yet powerful design optimizes space and performance. Long Driving Range: Ultium battery packs can support GM-estimated driving ranges of up to 400 miles on a full charge, depending on the vehicle configuration.
Who is the battery supplier for GM?
GM batteries, specifically the Ultium EV battery cells, are primarily manufactured by Ultium Cells LLC, a joint venture between General Motors (GM) and LG Energy Solution. GM also collaborates with other companies like Samsung SDI for different types of cells and has agreements with companies like Redwood Materials and Vianode for materials and recycling. For traditional lead-acid batteries, ACDelco is the brand backed by GM.
For electric vehicle (EV) batteries
- Ultium Cells LLC: This is the main joint venture with LG Energy Solution that builds the Ultium battery cells for GM's electric vehicles. It has several manufacturing plants across the United States.
- Samsung SDI: GM is building a plant in Indiana with Samsung SDI to produce prismatic-shaped cells.
- Strategic Partnerships: GM works with various partners for battery materials and other aspects of the supply chain. For example, they have a partnership with Redwood Materials for battery recycling and a deal with Vianode for anode graphite.
For traditional vehicles
- ACDelco: This is the brand for the batteries that are backed by General Motors for their traditional vehicles.
Who is GM's battery partner?
Vianode, a Norwegian-based graphite battery manufacturer, will supply Ultium Cells–GM and LG Energy Solution's joint battery company–with synthetic anode graphite to develop next-generation EV batteries. Under the agreement, Viaode will build facilities in North America and begin shipping the materials in 2027.
What brand battery does Chevrolet use?
ACDelco Batteries are the only batteries backed by GM.
