GM & Vianode: Securing the Future of EV Production
General Motors (GM) has announced a groundbreaking multi-year, multi-billion-dollar agreement with Norway’s Vianode to supply synthetic graphite anode materials for its EV batteries. The deal highlights GM’s commitment to advancing battery technology and securing a resilient supply chain for EV production.
The synthetic graphite will be used in EV batteries manufactured by Ultium Cells, a joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution. The agreement spans from 2027, when Vianode’s North American production facility is set to launch, to 2033.
Jeff Morrison, Senior Vice President of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain at GM, highlights the significance of the partnership: “The project will help advance our battery technology and drive greater value to our customers.”
Advancing battery technology and supply chain resilience
The partnership addresses a critical challenge in the EV industry—China’s dominance over 95% of the global graphite supply. Western automakers and governments have been striving to develop alternative sources to reduce import dependency.
“The entire EV ecosystem depends upon the import of one critical mineral," emphasises Burkhard Straube, CEO at Vianode. "What we and General Motors want is a resilient supply chain for North America.”
Vianode’s upcoming plant, planned for the US or Canada, will be strategically located near GM and LG’s battery production facilities. While the location remains undisclosed due to ongoing negotiations, the facility’s first phase aims to produce approximately 80,000 tons of synthetic graphite annually by 2030—enough to support around 1.5 million EVs.
Vianode already operates a production plant in Herøya, Norway and is discussing supplying synthetic graphite to other automakers. Such scalability positions Vianode as a critical player in the evolving EV market.
A sustainable and scalable solution
Vianode’s synthetic graphite production boasts a 90% lower CO2 footprint than conventional methods, making it an environmentally sustainable alternative. Additionally, synthetic graphite offers scalability advantages over mined graphite.
“The EV industry is still growing and exploring a new mine will take a decade, maybe longer. You can build another plant with synthetic graphite in two or three years.”
The accelerated scalability provides a significant edge in meeting the growing demand for EV batteries while aligning with global sustainability goals.
Transforming the EV landscape
The partnership represents a pivotal step for GM as it seeks to bolster its EV battery technology and reduce reliance on international supply chains.
By investing in synthetic graphite, GM is reinforcing its leadership in the EV industry and supporting the development of a sustainable and resilient North American supply chain.
With production set to begin in 2027, the partnership is poised to reshape the EV supply chain landscape and support the industry’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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