The company will also make a multi-million dollar investment in Hell's Kitchen lithium project in California
Lithium is a key ingredient in General Motors’ Ultium battery packs. (Credit: Steve Fecht for General Motors)
General Motors (GM) has partnered with Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR) to source lithium produced in the US to make its advanced electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
Currently, a significant part of lithium used in lithium-ion batteries is mined and processed outside of the US.
Under the collaboration, lithium is planned to be produced through a closed-loop, direct extraction process.
The process could result in lowering carbon dioxide emissions and a smaller physical footprint when compared to traditional processes like pit mining or evaporation ponds.
It is also expected to help in eliminating production tailing.
As part of the partnership, GM will also make a multi-million dollar investment in CTR’s Hell’s Kitchen lithium project, located in the Salton Sea Geothermal Field, Imperial, California.
The investment is part of the company’s $35bn global commitment to EVs and autonomous vehicles.
It will enable GM to acquire first rights on lithium produced from the Hell’s Kitchen project in the first stage, which is expected to commence production in 2024.
GM global product development, purchasing and supply chain executive vice president Doug Parks said: “Lithium is critical to battery production today and will only become more important as consumer adoption of EVs increases, and we accelerate towards our all-electric future.
“By securing and localizing the lithium supply chain in the U.S., we’re helping ensure our ability to make powerful, affordable, high mileage EVs while also helping to mitigate environmental impact and bring more low-cost lithium to the market as a whole.
“GM looks forward to working with CTR, in addition to state and local leaders, in achieving these goals.”
Through the partnership, GM is expected to source a significant amount of its future battery-grade lithium hydroxide and carbonate from CTR’s Hell’s Kitchen Lithium and Power development.
The investment from GM will enable CTR’s closed-loop, direct extraction process to recover lithium from geothermal brine.
The partnership is expected to speed up the adoption of lithium extraction methods that could have less impact on the environment.