General Motors (GM) has recruited Kurt Kelty, an ex-Tesla executive known for his expertise in battery technology, to help overcome obstacles encountered with its Ultium battery project. Kelty, who most recently served as the Vice President of Commercialization at Sila Nanotechnologies, has a significant history in the field, having spent over a decade at Tesla. His role involved expanding silicone anode material, which is crucial for advancing battery performance.
Kurt Kelty’s New Role at GM
Kelty’s appointment as GM’s Vice President of Batteries was first revealed by TechCrunch, with his tenure set to commence on February 19. GM President Mark Reuss expressed confidence in Kelty’s abilities to accelerate the company’s electric vehicle (EV) initiatives through his comprehensive battery knowledge, including chemistry development, partnership establishment, supply chain construction, and close collaboration with battery system development teams.
The Ultium Project and EV Lineup Expansion
GM’s Ultium battery pack project has been a critical aspect of its strategy to launch a robust lineup of EVs. Ultium aims to infuse a software-oriented approach to vehicle engineering. Nevertheless, a delay was announced in October for the opening of the Ultium Cell production facility in Tennessee, which was scheduled for completion by the end of the previous year but suffered setbacks due to construction timelines.
The addition of Kelty to GM’s team is a strategic move to address production inefficiencies and enable the company to produce vehicles built on the Ultium platform more effectively. Currently, seven GM models, including the GMC Hummer EV and Chevrolet Silverado EV, are powered by Ultium cells.
Kelty’s expertise is expected to be the catalyst GM requires to resolve the Ultium battery pack project’s production issues. With his assistance and a dedicated team of engineers, GM anticipates a breakthrough in the EV market, leveraging the potential of its Ultium-based vehicles.
Kelty’s appointment marks a pivotal shift in GM’s strategy to cement its position as a leader in the EV segment, with the company betting on his extensive experience and reputation for pushing the boundaries in battery technology.
