General Motors (GM) has demonstrated its commitment to electric vehicles (EVs) by announcing plans for a $3.5 billion battery plant in Indiana, near New Carlisle. The company has begun prepping the site for heavy construction, which includes activities such as landscaping, creating retention ponds, and installing essential utilities for the main building at the site. Initially, General Motors’ plans for the Indiana facility faced delays due to the collapse of its partnership with LG, a South Korean company that was supposed to help GM build its fourth Ultium battery plant. As a result, GM has decided to collaborate with Samsung SDI for its battery manufacturing facility in Indiana.
The plant will produce cylindrical and prismatic cells, with construction expected to commence in 2025 and production aiming to start by 2027. The decision to continue building a $3.5 billion battery plant dedicated to EVs is seen as a bold move by GM. Earlier this year, CEO Mary Barra acknowledged that GM’s EV sales had slowed but reiterated the company’s commitment to eliminating tailpipe emissions from its light-duty vehicles by 2035. Barra also emphasized the potential of plug-in technology in strategic segments to deliver some of the environmental benefits of EVs as the nation continues to expand its charging infrastructure.
General Motors’ announcement comes amid increasing discussions within the automotive industry about slowing EV sales and the consideration of plug-in hybrid production in the United States. This move by GM represents a significant step towards enhancing its versatility in EV offerings and aligns with the company’s long-term environmental goals.