Observation on the GM/LG Chem Battery JV
When an OEM and a supplier collaborate for battery production
Cadillac EV concept (Image: GM)
An interesting observation from Christopher Robinson, senior research analyst at Lux Research regarding the announcement made last week by GM and LG Chem that the two companies are creating a 50:50 joint venture company to assembly battery cells for electric vehicles at a new site in the Lordstown, Ohio, vicinity:
“The location and size of the announcement are unsurprising: 30 GWh is roughly the size of other large battery manufacturing facilities, and siting it near vehicle assembly reduces transportation costs. What is significant about the announcement is that GM is forming a joint venture with a supplier and owning a share of battery production. Competitors Nissan divested in their cell manufacturing ownership, and most other OEMs will make their own pack but purchase cells from suppliers, while VW is pursuing cell manufacturing through a low-risk engagement with startup Northvolt. Automakers may want more control over their supply chain and differentiation, and it won't be surprising if more OEMs take larger ownership of cell production.”
RELATED CONTENT
-
Global Supply of Automotive Fasteners from a Single Source
PennEngineering offers a global supply for a wide range of fasteners for the automotive industry, including China-based facilities that manufacture standard and custom products to world-class standards of quality at lower cost.
-
GM Develops a New Electrical Platform
GM engineers create a better electrical architecture that can handle the ever-increasing needs of vehicle systems
-
Robotic Exoskeleton Amplifies Human Strength
The Sarcos Guardian XO Max full-body, all-electric exoskeleton features strength amplification of up to 20 to 1, making 200 pounds—the suit’s upper limit—feel like 10 pounds for the user.