General Motors is expanding its EV battery supply chain, signing a long-term deal with Norway’s Vianode for synthetic graphite anode material. The agreement runs from 2027 through 2033.
The partnership comes at a crucial time for GM’s electric vehicle ambitions. Vianode will supply the material to Ultium Cells LLC — GM’s joint battery venture with LG Energy Solution — from a new North American facility that’s still in the site selection phase.
Battery makers are racing to reduce their dependence on Chinese materials. Currently, Chinese companies control 95% of global graphite production, a critical component in EV batteries. The U.S. government has designated China as a Foreign Entity of Concern, making vehicles with Chinese battery materials ineligible for federal tax credits.
Vianode CEO Burkhard Straube told Reuters the company is evaluating locations in both the U.S. and Canada for its new facility.
The plant’s environmental impact could set new industry standards. Vianode claims its manufacturing process reduces carbon emissions by 90% compared to traditional methods.
By 2030, the facility aims to produce 80,000 tons of synthetic graphite annually — enough for 1.5 million electric vehicles. The company emphasizes that its operation will comply with Inflation Reduction Act requirements for North American sourcing.
This agreement follows recent shifts in GM’s battery strategy. In December, the automaker announced it would sell its stake in the Michigan Ultium Cells plant to LG while expanding their technical partnership to include prismatic cells. GM currently uses pouch cells across its EV lineup, though CEO Mary Barra indicated last year that the company remains flexible on battery formats.
The deal’s long-term viability could face political headwinds, particularly regarding tax credit availability under a potential Trump administration in 2025.
