Vianode, an advanced battery materials company, has been selected as a strategic supplier of high-performance anode graphite solutions to General Motors. The agreement covers the development of large-scale manufacturing capacity and supply of synthetic anode graphite towards 2033.
Anode graphite is the largest component of a lithium-ion battery by weight and is a vital material for the energy transition. Vianode produces synthetic anode graphite with a 90% lower CO2 footprint than conventional production methods. Synthetic graphite is manufactured in high-temperature production processes and differs from natural graphite typically mined from carbon-rich rock formations.
Vianode is preparing to develop large-scale sustainable anode graphite production in North America and Europe through a phased multi-billion USD investment program. The company aims to supply advanced materials to three million EVs per year by 2030, as a provider of advanced anode graphite solutions.
The master supply agreement has a USD multi-billion value for Vianode and marks an important step forward in strengthening the North American battery and EV supply chain. The material will be used by Ultium Cells LLC — GM’s battery cell manufacturing joint venture with LG Energy Solution for next-generation EV batteries and drive units. Under the agreement, deliveries may be extended to include other joint ventures.
The high-performance anode graphite will be shipped from Vianode’s IRA-compliant large-scale plant in North America, with production starting in 2027. The agreement, which includes a minimum off-take commitment, follows a multi-year qualification process, demonstrating that the anode graphite produced at Vianode’s pilot plant in Norway meets stringent performance and validation requirements.
Vianode has produced anode graphite solutions at its industrial pilot in Kristiansand, Norway since 2021. Vianode’s Technology Center opened in the same city in 2022, and the first full-scale production plant at Herøya, Norway started production in the second half of 2024.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News