How GM is Addressing Supply Chain Challenges with Vianode

Share
General Motors (GM) strikes a multi-billion-dollar deal with Norway's Vianode (Credit: Vianode)
General Motors (GM) has struck a multi-billion-dollar deal with Norway's Vianode for synthetic graphite, ensuring a resilient EV battery supply chain

General Motors (GM) has unveiled a significant partnership with Norwegian company Vianode, agreeing on a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar deal to secure synthetic graphite anode materials for its electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

The collaboration comes as a part of GM’s commitment to strengthening its battery technology while addressing the supply chain challenges of EV production.

Synthetic graphite, an essential material for EV batteries, will be supplied to Ultium Cells, GM’s joint venture with LG Energy Solution. The agreement spans six years, starting in 2027 when Vianode's North American facility begins operations and continuing through to 2033.

Jeff Morrison, GM’s Senior Vice President of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, describes the deal as transformational: “The project will help advance our battery technology and drive greater value to our customers.”

Jeff Morrison, Senior Vice President of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, GM

Tackling supply chain vulnerabilities

The partnership addresses a pressing issue within the EV industry—China’s current control of approximately 95% of the global graphite market.

Automakers and governments in North America and Europe are racing to establish alternatives that reduce dependency on imports from China.

Vianode’s forthcoming synthetic graphite production plant, set to launch in either the US or Canada, will strategically position itself close to GM and LG’s battery manufacturing sites.

While the exact location remains under wraps due to ongoing discussions, the plant’s first phase is designed to produce around 80,000 tons of synthetic graphite annually by 2030. This volume would be sufficient to power approximately 1.5 million EVs.

Burkhard Straube, Vianode’s CEO, underlines the importance of this shift, saying: “The entire EV ecosystem depends upon the import of one critical mineral. What we and General Motors want is a resilient supply chain for North America.”

Burkhard Straube, CEO of Vianode

“The EV industry is still growing and exploring a new mine will take a decade, maybe longer. You can build another plant with synthetic graphite in two or three years.”

Burkhard Straube, CEO of Vianode

The company already operates a synthetic graphite production facility in Herøya, Norway, and has also started discussions with other automakers about supply agreements. This ability to scale production makes Vianode an increasingly vital player in the growing EV market.

Sustainable and scalable production

Vianode’s synthetic graphite production stands out not only for its scalability but also for its sustainability credentials.

Its manufacturing process is designed to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional methods of producing graphite. This environmentally-friendly approach aligns with global goals for cutting carbon emissions while meeting the surging demand for EV batteries.

Synthetic graphite also offers advantages over natural, mined graphite.

As a manufactured material, it provides greater consistency and scalability, making it easier to meet large-scale production needs. With demand for EVs growing rapidly worldwide, the partnership places GM in a strong position to meet market expectations.

The deal further underlines GM’s drive to future-proof its EV supply chain, ensuring that the materials it relies on are sourced sustainably and closer to home.

Youtube Placeholder

Reshaping the EV industry

For GM, this agreement marks a critical step in reducing its reliance on international supply chains and investing in advanced materials for its EVs.

By turning to synthetic graphite, GM not only ensures greater resilience in its battery production but also reinforces its leadership position in the EV industry.

With production from Vianode’s new facility expected to begin in 2027, the deal is set to help GM and the wider EV industry transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.


Explore the latest edition of Supply Chain Digital and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE.

Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today. 


Supply Chain Digital is a BizClik brand. 

Share

Featured Articles

The Panama Canal and its Crucial Role in the EV Supply Chain

Supply Chain Digital examines the Panama Canal's vital role in the EV supply chain amid geopolitical tension and global trade volatility

Q&A: JP Lauer at GEP Europe Tour 2025, Amsterdam

Supply Chain Digital caught up with JP Lauer, Vice President Consulting at GEP, during the first leg of the GEP Europe Tour 2025 in Amsterdam

Blue Yonder: Optimising Cold Chain Operations for RealCold

RealCold, a key player in cold chain services, is deploying Blue Yonder’s Warehouse Management solution to digitally transform its operations

This Week's Top Five Stories in Supply Chain

Digital Supply Chain

Nestlé and sennder's Bid to Decarbonise Logistics

Logistics

What Does Rachel Reeves Speech Mean for Supply Chain?

Operations