GM to challenge China’s LFP monopoly with upgraded battery factory

General Motors (GM), in partnership with LG Energy Solution, is upgrading its Ultium battery factory in Spring Hill, Tennessee, to produce lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cells for its low-cost electric vehicles (EVs). This $2.3 billion facility, part of the Ultium Cells LLC joint venture, initially began producing nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion cells in 2024. The conversion to LFP production is set to start later this year, with commercial output expected by late 2027. Although LFP batteries were originally invented and commercialized in the U.S., most production currently occurs in China, making this upgrade a significant step toward boosting domestic LFP manufacturing. GM is adopting a three-tiered battery strategy for its EV lineup, which includes 12 models. High-end vehicles will continue to use NMC batteries for longer range, exemplified by the Chevy Silverado EV’s 205 kWh NMC pack offering 492 miles per charge