Report: General Motors’ EV Battery Cell Production Overtakes Tesla
General Motors (GM), the biggest name in American car manufacturing, is making waves not just with its electric vehicles (EVs), but with the batteries that power them. And if GM’s bold plans go as expected, it might just beat Tesla at the one thing that gave Elon Musk a massive edge: battery tech.
For traditional gas-powered cars, the engine was everything. It shaped the design, performance, and price of a vehicle. But in the EV world, batteries are the new heart and soul. The type, size, and efficiency of a battery determine how far an EV can go, how fast it can charge, and how much it costs.
But here’s the big difference: while gas engines take years and billions of dollars to develop for every new car, a smartly designed battery system can power an entire EV lineup—from small SUVs to luxury models. And GM is betting big on this idea.
GM Is Now a Battery Powerhouse
According to a new Bloomberg report, GM is already producing more battery cells in the U.S. than Tesla, and their factories aren’t even running at full tilt yet.
Their Ultium Cells facility in Tennessee—built in partnership with LG Energy Solution—runs non-stop, 24/7, across five football fields. Every single hour, it produces a staggering 5,000 battery cells. There’s another massive $2.3 billion facility in Ohio doing the same thing. These batteries power popular models like the Chevy Equinox EV and Cadillac Lyriq, which are steadily gaining traction with American drivers.
One word: cost.
Batteries are still the most expensive part of an EV. But GM is slashing prices fast. According to Kurt Kelty, GM’s battery boss (and former Tesla battery chief), the company cut battery costs by $60 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) last year. And they’re aiming to trim another $30 in 2025.
If GM hits that target, its battery costs would land around $100 per kWh—about 50% cheaper than in 2023 and right in line with global leaders like China, where the average cost is $94/kWh. That would make GM one of the most cost-competitive EV makers in the world, not just in the U.S.
Despite the progress, GM isn’t in the clear just yet. Right now, the battery pack for vehicles like the Chevy Blazer EV or Equinox EV costs about $13,000. That’s significantly higher than the cost of an engine and transmission in a gas-powered car. To close that gap, GM is shifting to a new battery design—prismatic cells. These are compact, rectangular cells that fit together tightly, like bricks in a wall. They save space, reduce waste, and help cars go farther without adding weight.
To make this happen, GM formed a $3.5 billion joint venture with Samsung SDI to build a brand-new battery plant in Indiana. This 640-acre mega facility was originally set to start production next year, but now it’s delayed until 2027.
Even with delays, GM is all-in on EVs. The scale of its investment is so huge that reversing course just isn’t an option anymore. From factories to partnerships to technology, GM is setting the foundation for an electric future that’s built in America. There are still hurdles ahead. Political debates, economic shifts, and consumer demand will all play a role. But GM’s message is clear: it’s not just here to play—it’s here to lead.
Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a tech geek, or just someone considering an EV for your next ride, GM’s battery breakthrough could make EVs cheaper, better, and more available.
- Want an EV that costs the same as a gas car? That could happen sooner than you think.
- Looking for longer range and faster charging? GM’s battery design could deliver both.
- Not a fan of Tesla? You’re about to have more choices that are just as capable.
For years, Tesla set the standard in EV innovation. But now, GM is catching up—and maybe even pulling ahead. With massive factories, smart battery tech, and cost-cutting goals, the automaker is positioning itself as a future EV leader. One thing’s for sure: the EV race in America is heating up. And this time, GM’s not just making cars—it’s building the future of energy on wheels.
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