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| Samsung and GM Partner on $3.5 Billion EV Battery Factory in Indiana, Targeting Mass Production by 2027 Image credit: Pixabay |
Samsung SDI and General Motors (GM) have entered into a significant partnership to establish a joint electric vehicle (EV) battery factory in Indiana. The collaboration, first reported by Reuters, involves a $3.5 billion investment from both companies.
The factory is expected to achieve an annual production capacity of 27 gigawatt-hours of battery cells, with the potential to expand to 36 gigawatt-hours in the future. Mass production at the facility is anticipated to begin in 2027.
Initial Announcement and Evolution of the Indiana Factory Plan
The Indiana factory was initially announced in April 2023, with earlier projections estimating a $3 billion investment and a target of 30 gigawatt-hours in annual cell production. At that time, GM and Samsung indicated that the factory would open in 2026 and would be capable of producing both prismatic and cylindrical battery cells.
This dual-format production underscores GM's flexible approach to battery cell design and application.
Cell Formats and Potential Applications for Future GM EVs
The discussion around prismatic and cylindrical cell formats suggests that the Indiana factory might produce battery cells different from the large-format pouch cells currently manufactured under GM's Ultium Cells LLC joint venture with LG.
Cylindrical cells, in particular, may offer easier integration into lower-profile vehicles, making them ideal for high-performance electric cars like the electric Corvette, which GM has already confirmed, or aerodynamic sedans, such as a rumored all-electric replacement for the Chevy Camaro.
Additional Samsung SDI Battery Factories in Indiana
Beyond the GM partnership, Samsung SDI is also involved in two other joint-venture battery factories in Indiana with Stellantis.
The first factory, announced in May 2022, is being built in Kokomo and is expected to begin ramping up production in early 2025. A second Stellantis-Samsung battery factory was announced in July 2023, with plans to start battery production by 2027.
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