General Motors Signs Deal With Vianode to Secure Synthetic Graphite

Group 1: Agreement Details - General Motors has entered into a multimillion-dollar agreement with Norwegian battery supplier Vianode to secure synthetic graphite anode materials starting in 2027, running through 2033 [1] - Vianode will establish production facilities in North America, with operations expected to begin in 2027 [3] - The agreement may extend to other GM joint ventures in the future [1] Group 2: Sustainability and Production - Vianode produces synthetic anode graphite with a carbon dioxide footprint 90% lower than conventional methods, aligning with GM's strategy for a sustainable battery supply chain [2] - The planned North American plant aims to produce approximately 80,000 tons of synthetic graphite annually by 2030, enough to support the manufacturing of around 1.5 million electric vehicles [4] Group 3: Market Context - Anode graphite accounts for the largest share of a lithium-ion battery's weight and is primarily sourced from China, which dominates 95% of the global supply [2] - GM selected Vianode after a rigorous multi-year qualification process, evaluating materials produced at Vianode's pilot plant in Norway [3]