General Motors is revamping its EV battery technology partnership with LG Energy Solution to incorporate a new battery-cell arrangement – prismatic cells, for which GM noted its partner has both experience in manufacturing and numerous patents covering battery design, manufacturing technologies, and packaging.
The partners’ plans for manufacturing the prismatic cells were not announced.
Prismatic cells use lithium-ion chemistry, in contrast to the nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum chemistry that is the basis for the Ultium battery cells the GM-LG partnership manufactures at two plants, in Ohio and Tennessee.
GM explained it is “embracing a technology-agnostic approach to battery cells, to optimize for range, performance, and charging speed”.
“We’re focused on optimizing our battery technology by developing the right battery chemistries and form factors to improve EV performance, enhance safety, and reduce costs,” according to GM vice president Kurt Kelty.
The flat and rectangular prismatic cells have a rigid enclosure that allows them to be arranged efficiently in battery modules and packs. It’s a battery assembly that GM explained can reduce EV weight and cost, while simplifying manufacturing because there are fewer modules and mechanical components.
GM also plans to manufacture nickel-rich prismatic and cylindrical cells through a joint-venture operation with Samsung in Indiana, announced in 2023.
The automaker did not describe its investment in the prismatic cells project, but it simultaneously announced a non-binding agreement to sell the third Ultium Cells manufacturing plant now approaching start-up in Lansing, Mich., to its joint-venture partner. The sale will close during Q1 2025.
GM stated it expects to recoup its investment in the Lansing plant, which reportedly amounts to about $1 billion.
