General Motors (GM) has signed a multi-billion-dollar agreement with Norway-born battery company Vianode to secure synthetic graphite anode materials for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
The graphite will be used by GM’s joint venture with LG Energy Solution, Ultium Cells, to produce batteries for EVs.
The agreement, which extends through 2033, intends to strengthen the North American battery supply chain.
China currently controls 95% of the global graphite supply, meaning the partnership could help to reduce material dependence on the Asian superpower.
Production of the synthetic graphite will be carried-out by Vianode in a North American plant, with the material offering a 90% lower carbon footprint compared to traditional production methods.
Burkhard Straube, CEO of Vianode, said:
“This agreement […] is key for a local, resilient supply chain for critical battery materials outside of Asia.”
Anode graphite is a key component in the production of lithium-ion batteries for EV batteries, which typically have a higher energy density.
Jeff Morrison, GM’s SVP of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, said:
“This project will help advance our battery technology and drive greater value to our customers.”
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