GM, Reason for Not Using Electric Vehicle Battery Brand Name 'Ultium'

General Motors (GM) has declared that it will no longer use the name of its next-generation electric vehicle battery and platform brand, 'Ultium.' This is because GM's battery sourcing strategy has diversified, eliminating the need to maintain the 'Ultium' brand, which was specialized in NCM (Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese) batteries.

At the 2024 Investor Day last October, Kurt Kelty, GM's Vice President of Battery, announced that the company will no longer use the electric vehicle battery and platform brand 'Ultium.' Vice President Kelty emphasized, "We are transitioning from a single source, form factor, and chemistry to multiple chemistries, form factors, as well as a multi-supplier strategy." He also forecasted that, in addition to the existing NCM batteries, GM will offer a variety of options including LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries and prism-shaped lithium-ion batteries, which are rectangular in form.

Industry experts view GM's battery diversification strategy as essential to dominating the electric vehicle era. The ability to procure batteries in various forms and materials is crucial to building a diverse electric vehicle lineup, ranging from low-cost models to high-performance electric cars.

GM Electric Vehicle Lineup. Provided by GM

In particular, GM expects its new third-generation electric vehicle platform to create a synergy effect with this battery diversification strategy. Thanks to its modular structure, GM's third-generation EV platform can be applied to a wide range of vehicle types, from compact cars to large vehicles, SUVs, pickup trucks, and sports cars. Another strength is the ability to optimize the structure by accommodating various battery layouts.

GM plans to expand its electric vehicle model lineup and launch a volume offensive. In the U.S. market, GM already sells the Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and Silverado EV under the Chevrolet brand. Under the GMC brand, it offers electric SUVs and pickup trucks such as the Sierra EV and Hummer EV.

The premium brand Cadillac has also strengthened its electric vehicle lineup. Including the electric SUV Lyriq, which has been launched domestically, Cadillac sells premium electric vehicles ranging from sedans like the Celestiq and Optiq to SUVs in the U.S. market. Additionally, the flagship electric SUV Escalade IQ is scheduled for release at the end of this year, followed by the large electric SUV Blistik in the first half of next year.

GM is increasing its market share in the global electric vehicle market, including the U.S. In the third quarter, GM sold approximately 32,000 electric vehicles in the U.S., a 60% increase compared to the same period last year. Its electric vehicle market share in the U.S. rose from 6.5% in the first quarter to 9.5% in the third quarter, ranking second after Tesla.

GM is also steadily expanding its investment in batteries, a core component of electric vehicles. Recently, GM completed the final contract signing to establish a joint venture with Samsung SDI and plans to build a fourth battery production plant together. The new battery plant, to be built in Indiana, will receive an investment of $3.5 billion (approximately 4.9 trillion KRW). It is reported that prism-shaped battery cells, which will be installed in GM electric vehicle models, will be produced at this plant.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.