Latest news with #NCMA
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
GM's Ultium Cells battery plant in Tennessee to add production of low-cost LFP cells
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Ultium Cells, the electric vehicle battery joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution, is upgrading its battery cell manufacturing facility in Spring Hill, Tennessee, to add production of lower-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, the company announced in a July 14 press release. The plans are part of a $2.3 billion investment in the plant that was announced in 2021 to produce nickel cobalt manganese aluminum (NCMA) pouch cells and LFP cells at the same facility. The conversion of existing production lines will begin later this year, with commercial production of LFP cells expected to begin in late 2027. 'The upgrade reflects the continued strength of our partnership with General Motors and our shared commitment to advancing EV battery innovation,' said Wonjoon Suh, executive VP and head of the Advanced Automotive Battery division at LG Energy Solution, in the release. Dive Insight: Introducing low-cost LFP battery chemistry into its growing lineup can help GM improve margins on its EVs, as well as reduce their costs for buyers. The higher costs of EVs using existing battery chemistries may deter shoppers and impact adoption in the U.S. now that the Federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500 is slated to end on Sept. 30. The elimination of the credit is included in the 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' which was signed into law on July 4. GM currently uses more expensive nickel manganese cobalt aluminum oxide (NMCA) batteries for its EVs. The cost-effectiveness of LFP batteries compared to NCMA or nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) types is due to the use of less expensive raw materials, including cobalt and nickel. Instead, LFP batteries use a higher amount of cheap and abundant iron and phosphate. LFP batteries contain virtually no cobalt and perform better than other cell chemistries in high temperatures, making them more resistant to cell degradation and fire for greater safety. 'At GM, we're innovating battery technology to deliver the best mix of range, performance, and affordability to our EV customers,' said Kurt Kelty, VP of batteries, propulsion, and sustainability at GM, in the release. 'This upgrade at Spring Hill will enable us to scale production of lower-cost LFP cell technologies in the U.S., complementing our high-nickel and future lithium manganese rich solutions and further diversifying our growing EV portfolio." LFP batteries also have a significantly longer cycle life and can endure more charge-discharge cycles before degrading, translating into a longer service life. In addition, LPF batteries can be fully charged to 100% without accelerating cell degradation compared to NMC batteries. This is among the reasons why many OEMs recommend charging EVs to just 80% to extend battery service life. However, the tradeoff is that drivers do not receive the vehicle's full EPA-estimated range. One of the drawbacks of LFP batteries however, is their lower energy density compared to NMC and NCA chemistries, according to Quantumscape. An automaker must use more LFP cells to achieve EV range targets that buyers now expect. Although the use of additional cells and a larger battery pack may improve range, it also increases vehicle weight and can potentially reduce an EVs interior space. In addition to Ultium Cells adding LFP cell production in Tennessee, GM and LG Energy announced in May the development of an improved lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cell design for the automaker's future electric vehicles. The LMR battery chemistry uses a higher percentage of lower-cost manganese to replace cobalt, while still delivering high energy density, according to GM. GM aims to be the first major automaker to use LMR batteries, and the Ultium Cells joint venture plans to start commercial production of the new cells by 2028 for GM's full-size electric trucks and SUVs. 'Our expertise in these three battery chemistries will enable us to scale production of lower-cost LMR and LFP cell technologies so we can produce both full-size electric pickups and affordable EVs like the Chevrolet Bolt,' said GM president Mark Reuss in a blog post. Ultium Cells broke ground on the Tennessee EV battery plant in 2021 and the first shipments of batteries to GM were in March 2024. Recommended Reading GM, LG Energy target commercializing manganese-rich batteries for EVs
Business Insider
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Insider
GM upgrades Ultium Cells battery manufacturing plant in Spring Hill
General Motors (GM) said it is working with its Ultium Cells joint venture partner LG Energy Solution to upgrade its OEM battery cell manufacturing in the U.S. 'Just outside Nashville, American ingenuity and innovation are thriving in the rolling hills of Spring Hill, Tennessee,' the company said. 'Ultium Cells – General Motors' joint venture with LG Energy Solution – is demonstrating America's ability to lead in transformative new battery cell technology. With the Ultium Cells sites in Spring Hill and Warren, Ohio, GM has the largest OEM battery cell manufacturing capacity in this country. Building on a $2.3 billion commitment announced in 2021, Ultium Cells Spring Hill will guide the next phase of our battery strategy, capable of producing multiple chemistries. In addition to today's nickel cobalt manganese aluminum (NCMA) pouch cells, the Ultium Cells plant will produce battery cells using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. LFP was an American breakthrough that's grown in popularity as a low-cost battery solution worldwide. I'm proud that we're bringing its benefits – and associated jobs – back to America. Work on the LFP battery cell lines at Spring Hill will start soon, with full commercial production targeted for late 2027.' Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Make smarter investment decisions with , delivered to your inbox every week.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Acquisition Efficiency Working Group Bringing Reform to Life: Meet NCMA's Team Advancing Acquisition Efficiency
RESTON, Va., June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With the launch of the National Contract Management Association's (NCMA) Acquisition Efficiency Working Group, focus now shifts to the experts—the practitioners with proven experience innovating in both the buying and selling sides of federal acquisition—who make up this mission-critical team. Formed in response to Executive Orders and Presidential mandates focused on transforming federal acquisition, the Working Group will bring its collective know-how to bear to help policymakers quickly implement meaningful reform. Chaired by Wes Bennett, currently an NCMA Board Member and Vice President of Contracts at Booz Allen Hamilton and previously of Microsoft and DARPA, the Working Group is composed of a balanced, cross-sector coalition of experts. From publicly traded corporations and private capital-backed new entrants to academia and public agencies, the group comprises the organizations of all sizes that provide the software, hardware, and services to the government as well as the Federal agencies that buy them. All have experience in federal procurement, with nearly half also having worked with nontraditional companies. This diverse representation, grounded in hands-on experience across acquisition operations, policy, and transformation, ensures the group's recommendations are both actionable and focused on outcomes that matter—speed, transparency, and efficiency. "This group was designed to reflect the ecosystem we aim to improve," said Bennett. "By bringing together experts from across the acquisition lifecycle and from organizations of different sizes and missions, we ensure we're tackling challenges from every angle. Our goal is to provide solutions that streamline acquisition practices, make lasting change by enabling the workforce to operate differently, and ultimately serve the mission more effectively." Serving alongside Bennett as Vice Chair is Soraya Correa, President and CEO of the National Industries for the Blind, who is well-known for her role as the Chief Procurement Officer at the Department of Homeland Security where she created the Procurement Innovation Lab (PIL). Their leadership is supported by a dedicated roster of Working Group members, including: Eric Crusius Tim Cummins, Executive Director, Commerce and Contract Management Institute Megan Dake, Vice President, Corporate Contracts and Estimating, Lockheed Martin Julie Dunne, Principal, Monument Advocacy Dave Ferris, Head of Global Public Sector, Cohere Lesley Field, Former Deputy Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy at the Office of Management and Budget Heather Gerczak, CFCM, CPCM, Fellow, Chief Administrative Officer, Integral Federal, Inc Claire Grady, Senior Vice President, Strategy, Mantech Sally Guyer, CEO, World Commerce & Contracting Christopher Hetz, Applied Intuition Cameron Holt, Maj Gen, USAF (Ret), President, Strategic Markets, Exiger Leslie Husler, EVP Corporate Strategy, Persistent Systems, LLC Ian Kalin, CEO, TurbineOne Matt MacGregor, Senior Director, Strategic Growth, Anduril Industries Benjamin McMartin, Esq, CPCM, Senior Fellow, George Mason University, Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting William Roberts, Director of Emerging Technologies, ASI Government As this group evolves and expands its work, additional names and areas of expertise may be added. The Working Group's Vice Chair, Soraya Correa said, "This isn't a think tank—it's a powerhouse of action! These experts represent the full spectrum of acquisition management from frontline contracting officers to strategic policy leaders. They've lived the system's challenges, dismantled barriers, led transformative efforts, and are uniquely positioned to drive enduring cultural and operational change." As part of NCMA's commitment to improving acquisition outcomes, the Acquisition Efficiency Working Group will draw on the research initiatives of the Commercial and Contract Management Institute—the driving force behind NCMA's data analysis and cross-sector insights. By leveraging the Institute's deep expertise, the Working Group will develop practical recommendations to streamline regulations, modernize the workforce, and promote adoption of NCMA's Contract Management Standard® (CMS™). These outcomes will guide forward-looking training strategies and be shared through reports, events, and forums that engage the broader acquisition community. For updates and more information, visit About NCMA National Contract Management Association (NCMA) – – is a thriving community of over 100,000 contract management professionals globally. Dedicated to fostering a globally recognized contract management profession and strengthening its connections with related acquisition communities, NCMA serves a diverse membership spanning both the public and private sectors. Through its steadfast commitment to facilitating the growth, advancement, and impact of practitioners, NCMA provides a platform for the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums, driving innovation and excellence in contract management. Media Contact Holly DeHesa281-865-3296397127@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE National Contract Management Association
