General Motors (GM) is set to tackle its Ultium battery project challenges head-on with the recruitment of Kurt Kelty, a former senior director at Tesla renowned for his expertise in battery technology.
Kelty, who previously served at Tesla for over a decade, will assume the role of Vice President of Batteries at GM, commencing on February 19. His extensive experience, including roles at Sila Nanotechnologies and Plenty, positions him as a valuable asset to GM’s electrification endeavors.
Mark Reuss, GM President, expressed confidence in Kelty’s appointment, citing his proficiency in battery chemistry development, partnership establishment, and supply chain expansion. Kelty’s strategic insights are expected to propel GM towards its electrification objectives, cementing the company’s position as an EV technology leader.
The recruitment of Kelty marks a significant milestone for GM’s Ultium battery project, which has encountered hurdles in production efficiency. Despite setbacks in plant construction timelines, GM remains committed to leveraging the Ultium platform for its upcoming EV lineup, including models like the GMC Hummer EV and Cadillac Lyriq.
Kelty’s arrival signals a concerted effort to overcome bottlenecks and optimize Ultium battery production, crucial for GM’s ambitious electrification roadmap. With seven current GM models utilizing Ultium cells, Kelty’s leadership is poised to drive innovation and streamline EV development processes.