SPRING HILL, Tenn. – Ultium Cells LLC, a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution, will upgrade its manufacturing plant in Tennessee to produce lower-cost lithium iron phosphate – or LFP – battery cells, the company announced Monday.
Conversion of battery cell lines at Spring Hill will begin later this year, with commercial production expected by late 2027, Ultium said.
“At GM, we’re innovating battery technology to deliver the best mix of range, performance and affordability to our EV customers,” said Kurt Kelty, vice president of batteries, propulsion and sustainability at GM. “This upgrade at Spring Hill will enable us to scale production of lower-cost LFP cell technologies in the U.S., complementing our high-nickel and future lithium manganese rich solutions and further diversifying our growing EV portfolio.”
GM’s flexible EV platform is designed to enable the quick adoption of multiple cell chemistries and form factors.
“The upgrade reflects the continued strength of our partnership with General Motors and our shared commitment to advancing EV battery innovation,” said Wonjoon Suh, executive vice president and head of the Advanced Automotive Battery division at LG Energy Solution. “We will bring our extensive experience and expertise in U.S. manufacturing to the joint venture facility, further accelerating our efforts to deliver new chemistries and form factors that effectively capture the unmet needs in the EV market.”
The Spring Hill facility currently employs approximately 1,300 people.
“We are grateful for the continued partnership and support we’ve received from the state of Tennessee as we continue to advance our lead in EV battery cell manufacturing,” said Kee Eun, president and CEO of Ultium Cells. “This investment expands our capabilities beyond a single battery cell chemistry, allowing us to produce new chemistries alongside our existing cells. Expanding our product portfolio ensures Ultium Cells will remain at the forefront of battery cell innovation and sustain our commitment to be a stable, long-term employer for the communities we serve.”
The Ultium plant in Lordstown, Ohio, will continue producing cells with nickel cobalt manganese aluminum chemistry, which has been key to GM delivering a range of crossovers with more than 300 miles of range on a charge, Ultium said.
LG Energy and GM have also partnered to develop lithium manganese-rich EV batteries for the U.S. market. That product is expected to launch in 2028. Ultium has not yet announced where that battery would be manufactured.
Pictured at top: The Ultium Cells plant in Spring Hill, Tenn.