SEOUL, April 02 (AJU PRESS) - Ultium Cells, a joint venture between South Korea's major battery maker LG Energy Solution and General Motors, has begun operation of its second battery plant in the United States. The batteries produced at the joint plant will be used for General Motors' electric vehicles.
LGES said on Tuesday that battery cells manufactured at Ultium Cells' second factory in Tennessee will be installed in GM's upcoming EV models, such as the Cadillac Lyriq SUV. The battery plant integrates AI and the internet of things (IoT) for autonomous production, ensuring quick production and high quality through real-time data analysis.
Ultium Cells aims to expand the capacity of its Tennessee plant to 50 gigawatt-hours, enough to produce about 600,000 high-performance EVs with a travel distance of over 500 kilometers (310 miles) on a single charge. "The second factory, constructed based on the solid partnership between LGES and GM, will grow into a key base for the North American EV market along with the first and third factories," said Kim Young-deuk, head of Ultium Cells' Tennessee plant.
In 2019, Ultium Cells initiated operation of its first plant in Ohio. The third plant, currently under construction in Michigan, is scheduled to start production in 2025. LGES is also working with Hyundai Motor, Honda Motor and Stellantis N.V. to run additional battery plants in North America.
South Korean battery makers can meet the requirements of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) incentive conditions by establishing battery plants in North America. Under the IRA, the U.S. government offers up to $7,500 per unit in tax credits to EVs assembled in North America.
