GM Signs Deal With Norway’s Vianode for EV Battery Graphite
Photo retrieved from Vianode’s website.
General Motors has signed a multi-billion-dollar supply deal with Norwegian company Vianode for synthetic graphite, a key material for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
General Motors has entered into a significant multi-billion-dollar agreement with Norwegian company Vianode, aimed at securing a reliable supply of synthetic graphite for GM's electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The deal, which will span from 2027 to 2033, focuses on the development and supply of high-performance synthetic graphite used in GM’s Ultium Cells joint venture with LG Energy Solution, the manufacturer behind the automaker's next-generation EV batteries.
Vianode, which already operates a production plant in Herøya, Norway, is working on a new facility in North America. The planned plant, expected to begin production in 2027, will provide synthetic graphite to GM’s battery production, contributing to the growing demand for sustainable EV materials. Although the exact location of the plant is still under negotiation, Vianode has emphasized its goal of establishing a resilient supply chain within North America, close to GM’s battery manufacturing operations.
Annual Production Will Power Around 1.5 Million EV's
The partnership with GM marks a major milestone for Vianode, which aims to produce 80,000 tons of synthetic graphite annually by 2030, enough to power approximately 1.5 million EVs. Synthetic graphite offers a significant advantage over traditional mining methods, as it can be produced with a 90% lower CO2 footprint, positioning Vianode as a key player in the sustainable transition of the EV sector.
"Vianode’s advanced battery materials will enable cost-efficient batteries with superior performance and a fraction of the carbon emissions compared to conventional technologies," said Burkhard Straube, CEO of Vianode. He also highlighted the company’s ambition to contribute to the development of a local, resilient supply chain for critical materials outside of Asia.
Building Sustainable, Domestic Supply Chain for EV Batteries
The deal is also part of GM’s broader strategy to build a sustainable, domestic supply chain for EV battery materials, which are increasingly seen as essential for reducing reliance on China, the dominant player in global graphite production. GM’s commitment to sourcing high-quality, low-carbon materials aligns with its efforts to advance its battery technology and create greater value for customers.
Vianode’s synthetic graphite, which is made using a high-temperature production process, stands out in the market due to its low environmental impact. The company is already making strides in scaling up its operations in both Europe and North America, with plans to expand its production capacity to support the growing demand for sustainable EV materials.
With this agreement, GM and Vianode are paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for the electric vehicle industry, benefiting both automakers and consumers alike.
About Vianode
Vianode is an advanced battery materials company providing sustainable anode graphite solutions for the battery and EV value chains in North America and Europe. Vianode’s breakthrough solution enables tailored high-performance synthetic anode graphite and a holistic sustainability offering including a 90% reduction in CO2 footprint.
Vianode operates the world's most sustainable full-scale anode graphite plant for batteries at Herøya Norway. The next step involves executing multi-billion dollar phased investment program dedicated to establishing large-scale plants across North America and Europe.
Vianode’s long-term ambition is to supply advanced battery materials to 3 million EVs per year by 2030. Vianode is owned by the world-leading industrial and financial companies Hydro and Altor.