GM expands energy storage with sodium-ion batteries and vehicle-to-grid tech
General Motors Co. is advancing its energy storage strategy with sodium-ion batteries and vehicle-to-grid technology. Partnerships with Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and Redwood Materials aim to enhance grid stability and create a circular battery supply chain. Repurposed battery packs are expected to cut electricity costs by over $3 million at a Michigan plant.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
General Motors Co. is expanding its energy storage capabilities with new sodium-ion battery chemistry, vehicle-to-grid technology, and data center applications. The automaker aims to address rising energy demands by leveraging its electric vehicle (EV) fleet and developing advanced battery systems. This move aligns GM with competitors like Ford Motor Co. and Tesla Inc. in the energy storage sector.
GM currently has over 250,000 EVs on the road capable of bidirectional charging, a key enabler for vehicle-to-grid programs. The company is working to make this functionality a default feature across its lineup, including models like the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Cadillac Escalade IQ. In partnership with Pacific Gas & Electric Co., GM expects over 52,000 EVs to participate in grid-balancing programs by 2030.
On the stationary storage front, GM is developing sodium-ion batteries, which offer better thermal management and more charge cycles. These batteries are suited for applications where longevity and cost are prioritized over weight. The company is also focusing on battery reuse and recycling through a partnership with Redwood Materials to build a circular battery supply chain.
GM's repurposed battery systems are already being tested in energy company Crusoe's AI data center in Sparks, Nevada. Redwood plans to install approximately 100 repurposed battery packs at a GM plant in Michigan, with a capacity of 1.5 MW/6 MWh. This setup is expected to reduce the site's electricity costs by more than $3 million over the project's life.
Despite scaling back some EV efforts, including suspending the development of the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado EV Pickup truck, GM continues to invest in energy storage. The company previously recorded a $6 billion charge related to EVs, following an earlier $1.6 billion charge. GM also secured a NASA contract to supply battery-electric propulsion for a lunar terrain vehicle.
Key Partnerships and Projects
| Partner | Project Details | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Gas & Electric Co. | Grid-balancing programs with 52,000 EVs by 2030 | Enhanced grid stability |
| Redwood Materials | Circular battery supply chain | Sustainable battery lifecycle |
| Crusoe | AI data center battery repurposing | Reduced electricity costs by $3 million |
How will the suspension of the next-generation Silverado EV impact GM's ability to meet its target of 52,000 EVs for grid-balancing programs by 2030?
What are the potential regulatory hurdles GM might face in scaling vehicle-to-grid technology across different utility markets beyond PG&E?
Can sodium-ion battery costs become competitive enough with lithium-ion to make GM a leader in the stationary storage market?
17
Create Custom Screeners 
Access 200+ Pre-built Filters 
Use 50+ Readymade Screener 
