GM Invests $139M in Lithium-Metal Battery Tech - SES

General Motors Invests in SES for Advanced Battery Development

General Motors is actively participating in the development of next-generation electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The company is leading a $139 million investment in SES, a developer specializing in lithium-metal battery technology.

Automaker Investment in Battery Tech

Several major automakers are now strategically investing in battery technology companies. Volkswagen supports QuantumScape, while Ford, Hyundai, and BMW have invested in SolidPower. Now, with substantial backing from General Motors, most prominent American and European automotive manufacturers have chosen their preferred battery technology partners.

SES Funding Objectives

“We have moved past the research and development stage,” stated SES CEO Hu Qichao in a recent interview. “The primary goals of this funding are to enhance the key materials – specifically the lithium metal electrolyte for both the anode and cathode – and to increase the production scale of our cells.”

The funding will also facilitate the expansion of the company’s algorithmic capabilities. These capabilities are crucial for monitoring and managing cell performance, a priority for both SES and its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners.

Collaboration Timeline with General Motors

This investment from GM represents the culmination of nearly six years of collaborative effort. SES began working with the automaker in 2015. The next three years will be dedicated to navigating the standard automotive approval processes.

This process involves progressing through sample phases, from ‘A’ to ‘B’ and ultimately to ‘D’ sample testing. ‘D’ sample represents the final stage before the commercial deployment of SES’ batteries in vehicles.

Solid-State Battery Advantages

While Tesla focuses on improving existing battery form factors, Hu Qichao believes solid-state batteries represent a significant technological leap. These batteries offer increased power, improved recyclability, and potentially greater stability compared to conventional designs.

Diverse Investor Base

SES has attracted attention and investment from a wide range of sources, beyond General Motors. These include:

• SK Innovation (battery manufacturer)
• Temasek (Singapore-based investment firm)
• Applied Ventures (venture capital arm of Applied Materials)
• Shanghai Auto (Chinese automaker)
• Vertex (investment firm)

GM's Perspective

Matt Tsien, GM executive vice president and chief technology officer, and president of GM Ventures, commented: “GM is rapidly reducing battery cell costs and improving energy density. Our collaboration with SES technology has the potential to deliver superior EV performance, offering customers increased range at a lower price point.”

He further added, “This investment from GM and other partners will enable SES to accelerate its progress and expand its operations.”