GM Signs Supply Deal With Norway's Vianode for EV Battery-Grade Anode Graphite

General Motors has selected Vianode, a battery materials company, as a strategic supplier of high-performance anode graphite solutions. Anode graphite is the largest component of a lithium-ion battery by weight and is a vital material for the energy transition.

The agreement covers development of large-scale manufacturing capacity and supply of synthetic anode graphite towards 2033.

The master supply agreement has a USD multi-billion value for Norway's Vianode, and marks an important step forward in strengthening the North American battery and EV supply chain.

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 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.

Under the supply agreement, 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.

Deliveries may be extended to include other joint ventures.

Jeff Morrison, senior vice president of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain at General Motors, says: “This agreement with Vianode for the development of artificial graphite is another great example of GM’s strategic effort to build a sustainable battery supply chain in North America. This project will help advance our battery technology and drive greater value to our customers.”

Burkhard Straube, CEO of Vianode, adds: “Vianode's advanced battery materials enable cost-efficient batteries and EVs with better performances and a fraction of the carbon emissions of conventional technologies. Our recent creation of Vianode North America and this agreement to supply GM's North American EV business, are key building blocks for a local, resilient supply chain for critical battery materials outside of Asia. We are proud of and honored that GM has chosen us as a strategic partner. This underlines Vianode’s capability and the way in which we will contribute to shaping the North American battery value chain.” 

Vianode produces synthetic anode graphite with a 90% lower CO2 footprint than conventional production methods.