The Tennessee site joins two other Ultium Cells battery cell manufacturing sites in Ohio and Michigan. The Warren, OH facility began battery cell production in August, and the Lansing Delta Township facility in Michigan is under construction and will begin production in late 2024.
Once all three facilities are at full production capacity later this decade, Ultium Cells expects to have more than 130 GWh of battery cell capacity in total. Ultium Cells will provide battery cell capacity to support GM’s North American electric vehicle assembly capacity of more than one million units by mid-decade, while supporting GM’s plans to supply other automotive companies and industries including rail, aerospace, heavy trucking and marine customers.
“The increased cell production capacity at Ultium Cells will power more EVs in North America, moving toward a greener future,” said Charles Oh Young Hyun, president, LG Energy Solution Michigan. “LG Energy Solution will employ its decades-long experience in battery technology and manufacturing to produce quality products as we demonstrate our reputation as an industry leader delivering unparalleled consumer value.”
Since 2017, companies have committed to create nearly 12,000 new jobs and invested $16 billion in Tennessee through EV-related projects. Additionally, with more than 180,000 electric vehicles produced in the state since 2013, Tennessee ranks No. 1 in the Southeast for electric vehicle manufacturing.
“Tennessee is well-positioned to provide automotive manufacturers and suppliers with the ideal geographical location to support their growth,” said Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart McWhorter. “Ultium Cells’ additional $275 million investment will have a lasting impact on the region for years to come. We are grateful to them, along with General Motors and LG Energy Solution, for their continued commitment to Tennessee, which is a vote of confidence to our state’s skilled workforce and business-friendly climate.”
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Tennessee is also quickly becoming a leader in the domestic manufacturing of critical materials used to make lithium-ion batteries, such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite. Since 2018, Tennessee has landed seven projects related to EV battery manufacturing or the EV battery supply chain, representing more than 1,700 new job commitments and roughly $4.3 billion in capital investment.
“Maury County began being a leader in the state of Tennessee for the automotive industry at about the same time I moved to Maury County in 1985,” said Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt. “We are once again leading the way into the future by supporting the success of Ultium Cells and EV technology. The announcement today by Ultium Cells that it will significantly increase both its investment and the number of high-quality jobs created, prior to even beginning operations at their new facility, serves as testament to the unique advantages Maury County offers high-tech manufacturers. While being an integral part of Team Maury, an announcement of this scope will provide benefits to the entire region, and we thank Ultium Cells for their investment and confidence in our community.”
