General Motors (GM) has solidified its commitment to a North American EV battery supply chain by signing a multi-billion dollar long-term supply agreement with Vianode, an advanced battery materials company. The agreement will secure a reliable source of high-performance synthetic anode graphite for GM’s next-generation electric vehicle batteries.
A Multi-Billion Dollar Investment in Sustainable EV Battery Production
This master supply agreement between GM and Vianode represents a multi-billion dollar investment and a significant step toward establishing a robust and local supply chain for critical battery materials. Specifically, Vianode will ship the high-performance anode graphite from its IRA-compliant large-scale plant in North America, with production slated to begin in 2027. Furthermore, the agreement includes a minimum off-take commitment, underscoring the long-term nature of the partnership. This landmark deal follows a rigorous multi-year qualification process where Vianode’s pilot plant in Norway demonstrated its ability to meet GM’s stringent performance and validation requirements.
Ultium Cells LLC to Utilize Vianode’s Anode Graphite
The anode graphite supplied by Vianode will be used by Ultium Cells LLC, GM’s joint venture with LG Energy Solution, for the production of next-generation EV batteries and drive units. Additionally, the agreement allows for potential expansion of deliveries to include other GM joint ventures in the future.
A Partnership for Sustainable and Cost-Effective EV Batteries
“Vianode’s advanced battery materials enable cost-efficient batteries and EVs with better performance and a fraction of the carbon emissions of conventional technologies,” says Burkhard Straube, CEO of Vianode. “Our recent creation of Vianode North America and this agreement to supply GM’s North American EV business are key building blocks for a local, resilient supply chain for critical battery materials outside of Asia. We are proud and honored that GM has chosen us as a strategic partner. Indeed, this underlines Vianode’s capability and the way in which we will contribute to shaping the North American battery value chain.”
Jeff Morrison, senior vice president of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain at General Motors, adds, “This agreement with Vianode for the development of artificial graphite is another great example of GM’s strategic effort to build a sustainable battery supply chain in North America. Consequently, this project will help advance our battery technology and drive greater value to our customers.”
Vianode’s Sustainable Approach to Anode Graphite Production
Anode graphite, the largest component of a lithium-ion battery by weight, is crucial for the energy transition. Vianode produces synthetic anode graphite with a 90% lower CO2 footprint than traditional production methods. Unlike natural graphite, which is mined, synthetic graphite is manufactured through high-temperature processes.
Scaling Up for the Future of EVs
Vianode is preparing for large-scale sustainable anode graphite production in North America and Europe through a phased multi-billion dollar investment program. The company aims to become a leading provider of advanced anode graphite solutions, supplying materials for 3 million EVs annually by 2030.
Setting a New Standard for Sustainable Battery Materials
“Vianode empowers battery and EV manufacturers to reduce their carbon footprint,” says Dr. Stefan Bergold, CCO of Vianode. “We introduced a new industry standard with a verified climate impact of 1.9 kg CO2 equivalents per kilogram of graphite, and target to nearly halve this by 2030. Furthermore, we look forward to collaborating with GM to further develop high-performance products that enable EVs with faster charging, longer range and extended lifespan.”
Vianode’s Expanding Footprint
Vianode has been producing anode graphite solutions at its industrial pilot plant in Kristiansand, Norway, since 2021. Its Technology Center opened in the same city in 2022, and its first full-scale production plant at Herøya, Norway, began operations in the second half of 2024.
Source: Vianode
