GM weighs second battery plant in U.S.

GM is considering building a second battery plant in the United States.

The largest American automaker said Thursday it hopes to have a decision by June. It’s conducting a feasibility study with its South Korean joint-venture partner LG Chem. LG Chem’s battery unit said in a statement that it was in talks to make further investments with GM.

Sources said the two are likely to build the plant near GM’s Spring Hill assembly plant in Tennessee. It would be similar in scope to its joint venture battery factory now under construction near GM’s closed assembly plant in Lordstown, Ohio. When completed, it will become one of the world’s largest battery facilities. It will help accelerate GM’s plan to deliver 30 new electric vehicles globally by 2025.

In the U.S., Tesla largely controls battery production, but most battery manufacturing is currently concentrated in Asia and Europe. Just last week, U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order that will launch a review of supply chains for four critical products that include batteries for EVs.

GM shares initially rose 3% Thursday before turning south.

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