Steel construction has begun on a nearly 3 million-square-foot factory in Lordstown, Ohio, which will be the site for production of the all-new Ultium battery cells and packs, the cornerstone of American automotive giant GM’s target of bringing over 20 electric vehicle models to roads by 2023.
GM announced earlier this year plans to deliver 23 new electric vehicles onto roads by 2023, all of which are intended to be based on the new Ultium battery pack design, which boasts a capacity of up to 200kWh. The Ultium batteries will be manufactured by Ultium Cells LLC, a joint venture between GM and South Korean chemical company, LG Chem, announced back in December of last year.
Construction ‘officially’ began on the new Ultium Cells Lordstown factory back in May, a little over five months after the joint venture was first announced.
Announced on Wednesday, GM revealed that steel construction at the Lordstown factory site had begun, despite the global COVID-19 pandemic. Set to create over 1,100 new jobs for Northeast Ohio, the factory has already seen ground broken and concrete footings poured, and steel construction will continue into the Northern Hemisphere’s Autumn (Fall).
“We are excited about the progress that our team has made, and we look forward to the finished product – a nearly 3 million-square-foot plant,” said Ken Morris, vice president of Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Programs. “Our joint venture with LG Chem will allow us to produce advanced battery cells in Lordstown, with the goal of reducing battery costs to accelerate EV adoption and ultimately benefit customers.”
The news comes on the heels of GM’s recently announced plans for 12 electric vehicles for its domestic market, including a full-sized electric ute with 400km range and a numerous SUVs.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.