How GM is Addressing Supply Chain Challenges with Vianode

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.”
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.”
“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.”
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.
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.
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