Former Tesla executive joins GM’s battery division

General Motors (GM) today announced the recruitment of a former Tesla executive named Kurt Kelty to lead as vice president of the battery division.

Kelty will be in charge of GM’s battery cell strategy and a new end-to-end approach. The new plans of the automaker will include the use of raw materials, research, development, and investment in new technology.

It will further look into the commercialization of cells and packs and end-of-life opportunities.

His team will look for GM’s electrification strategy and deliver better results in profitable, low-cost, high-performance electric vehicle battery solutions.

Kelty started his career in lithium-ion batteries for Panasonic in 1993, working for Panasonic. He created alliances and joint development programs to breakthrough lithium-ion rechargeable batteries for portable applications.

Kelty then worked at Tesla for 11 years and was responsible for technical exchanges and commercial negotiations with battery cell suppliers as well as early-stage battery cell developers.

He was also a part of Tesla’s first Gigafactory, the largest lithium-ion battery and EV component factory in the world.

Before joining GM, Kelty was a vice president at Sila for sales, business development, battery cell manufacturing partnerships, and battery engineering. These are involved in the adoption of Sila’s silicon anode material in EVs requiring high energy density and fast charging.

“The foundation that GM established coupled with Kurt’s exceptional battery expertise in leading battery chemistry development, establishing partnerships, building out supply chains, and partnering closely with teams that have developed leading battery systems will help us achieve our electrification goals and position on GM as a leader in EV technology,” said GM President Mark Reuss.

(source – GM)