General Motors (GM) is taking new steps in its electric vehicle (EV) strategy by hiring Kurt Kelty, a former Tesla manager, for a new role as Vice President of Battery. While GM already experiences significant interest in its electric vehicles, the company expects to decrease losses related to EVs this year. It firmly believes that by 2025, it will achieve single-digit profit margins through a larger range of EV models.
The decision to hire Kelty aims at strengthening GM’s battery strategy and implementing a new comprehensive approach. In this position, Kelty will be responsible for the battery cell strategy, including raw material usage, research and development, investment in new technologies, battery and pack commercialization, and end-of-life opportunities.
Kelty expressed his satisfaction with his new role at GM, stating, “For over 30 years, I have focused on aiding the development and commercialization of battery technologies that will contribute to the transition to electric transportation. Joining GM’s team provides an even greater opportunity to help the industry make this transition and have a lasting impact on our planet.”
As Vice President of Battery, Kelty will report directly to GM’s CEO, Mark Reuss. Reuss believes that Kelty’s experience in battery chemistry development, partnership-building, supply chain creation, and close collaboration with battery system development teams will greatly benefit GM in achieving its electrification goals, positioning the company as a leader in EV technology.
Prior to joining GM, Kelty worked as Vice President at Sila, where he was responsible for sales, business development, battery cell production partnership agreements, and engineering related to the use of Sila’s high-energy-density, fast-charging silicon anode material in electric vehicles. For 11 years, Kelty led Tesla’s battery development team and played a key role in founding the company’s first gigafactory, the world’s largest facility for lithium-ion cells and EV components.
FAQ:
1. Who is Kurt Kelty?
Kurt Kelty is a former manager at Tesla and currently serves as Vice President of Battery at General Motors (GM).
2. What actions has General Motors taken in its electric vehicle strategy?
General Motors hired Kurt Kelty as Vice President of Battery to strengthen its battery strategy and implement a new comprehensive approach.
3. What is the goal of GM’s battery strategy?
The goal of GM’s battery strategy is to reduce losses associated with electric vehicles this year and achieve single-digit profit margins by 2025 through a larger range of EV models.
4. What areas of responsibility does Kurt Kelty have at GM?
Kurt Kelty is responsible for the battery cell strategy, including raw material usage, research and development, investment in new technologies, battery and pack commercialization, and end-of-life opportunities.
5. What experience does Kurt Kelty have in the battery industry?
For over 30 years, Kurt Kelty has focused on the development and commercialization of battery technologies. For 11 years, he led Tesla’s battery development division and played a key role in founding the company’s first gigafactory.
6. Who is Kurt Kelty reporting to at GM?
Kurt Kelty reports directly to GM’s CEO, Mark Reuss.
7. What benefits does Kelty’s experience bring to GM?
Kelty’s experience in battery chemistry development, partnership-building, and supply chain creation will greatly benefit GM in achieving its vehicle electrification goals and solidifying the company’s position as a leader in electric vehicle technology.
Definitions:
– EV: Electric Vehicle
– Profit Margins: The difference between revenue and costs, measuring a company’s profitability
– Gigafactory: A factory of gigantic scale. In the context of the article, it refers to a lithium-ion cell and EV component factory.
Suggested related links:
– General Motors Homepage
– Tesla Homepage
The source of the article is from the blog be3.sk