GM pushes new battery chemistry and aggressive goal-setting to compete in EV market

GM’s Warren Technical Center now houses a $900 million Battery Cell Development Center aimed at mass-producing lithium-manganese-rich cells, which use less nickel and cobalt than current high-nickel designs and promise higher energy density at comparable cost. The plant, slated to become fully operational later this year, is part of a broader shift away from lithium-iron-phosphate batteries that dominate low-cost EV supply chains, especially in China.

Kurt Kelty, GM’s vice president of battery and sustainability, has introduced a quarterly performance system that grades projects with red, yellow or green lights, rewarding teams that expose shortcomings early. CFO Paul Jacobson’s financial strategy provides the cash cushion needed for such bets, while the hiring of former Tesla executive Sterling Anderson as chief product officer signals a push for tighter software-hardware integration and faster development cycles. Together, these moves aim to give GM a domestically sourced, longer-range battery for its flagship trucks and SUVs while fostering a culture that tolerates early failures in pursuit of innovation.