LG Chem Powers 5 Million GM EVs with $19bn Cathode Deal

LG Chem inked a long-term cathode material supply deal with General Motors (GM) for a staggering KRW 25 trillion (US$18.8 billion). This strategic partnership solidifies LG Chem’s position as a key player in the North American EV supply chain, fueling GM’s ambition to electrify its fleet.

Key Highlights:

  • Massive Supply: LG Chem will provide over 500,000 tons of cathode materials, enough to power 5 million high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) with a 500km range.
  • Boosting North America: The deal leverages LG Chem’s Tennessee cathode plant, establishing a local supply chain optimized for North American EVs.
  • Strengthened Partnership: This agreement builds upon the July 2022 collaboration and aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act’s EV subsidy criteria.
  • Future-Proofing Production: LG Chem is constructing America’s largest cathode plant in Tennessee, boasting an annual capacity of 60,000 tons and featuring cutting-edge calcination technology.

Quotes:

  • Jeff Morrison, GM Vice President, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain: “This contract strengthens our commitment to a robust EV supply chain, and importantly, with LG Chem in Tennessee, this deal bolsters the North American ecosystem at a critical juncture.”
  • Shin Hak-cheol, CEO, LG Chem: “By deepening our strategic cooperation with GM, we will jointly lead the North American EV market’s sustainable future. We aim to create unique customer value through world-class productivity and global production base expansion.”

Analysis:

This landmark deal underscores LG Chem’s commitment to the North American EV market and positions the company as a crucial partner in GM’s electrification strategy. The Tennessee plant, with its substantial capacity and advanced technology, will play a central role in meeting the growing demand for high-performance EV batteries. The agreement also aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act, ensuring its products comply with the act’s stipulations. This strategic partnership signifies a significant step towards a more sustainable and electrified future for both companies and the automotive industry as a whole.

The EV Report
The EV Report Staff

The EV Report is the trade publication of record for vehicle electrification. Published by Hagman Media and edited by founder Brian Hagman, it covers battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, charging infrastructure, and battery technology for an audience of automotive engineers, fleet managers, and clean-mobility investors.