Vianode signs USD multi-billion long-term supply agreement for EV battery-grade anode graphite with GM

[OSLO/NEW YORK/DETROIT], January 15, 2025 – Vianode, an advanced battery materials company, has been selected as a strategic supplier of high-performance anode graphite solutions to General Motors (NYSE: GM). The agreement covers development of large-scale manufacturing capacity and supply of synthetic anode graphite towards 2033.

The master supply agreement has a USD multi-billion value for Vianode and marks an important step forward in strengthening the North American battery and EV supply chain.

The high-performance anode graphite will be shipped from Vianode’s IRA compliant large-scale plant in North America with production starting in 2027. The agreement, that includes a minimum off-take commitment, follows a multi-year qualification process, demonstrating that the anode graphite produced at Vianode’s pilot plant in Norway meets stringent performance and validation requirements.

Under the supply agreement, the material will be used by Ultium Cells LLC – GM’s battery cell manufacturing joint venture with LG Energy Solution for next-generation EV batteries and drive units. Under the agreement, deliveries may be extended to include other joint ventures.

“Vianode's advanced battery materials enable cost-efficient batteries and EVs with better performances and a fraction of the carbon emissions of conventional technologies. Our recent creation of Vianode North America and this agreement to supply GM's North American EV business, are key building blocks for a local, resilient supply chain for critical battery materials outside of Asia. We are proud of and honored that GM has chosen us as a strategic partner. This underlines Vianode’s capability and the way in which we will contribute to shaping the North American battery value chain.” says Burkhard Straube, CEO of Vianode.

“This agreement with Vianode for the development of artificial graphite is another great example of GM’s strategic effort to build a sustainable battery supply chain in North America,” said Jeff Morrison, senior vice president of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain at General Motors. “This project will help advance our battery technology and drive greater value to our customers.”

Anode graphite is the largest component of a lithium-ion battery by weight and is a vital material for the energy transition. Vianode produces synthetic anode graphite with a 90% lower CO2 footprint than conventional production methods. Synthetic graphite is manufactured in high-temperature production processes and differs from natural graphite typically mined from carbon-rich rock formations.

Vianode is preparing to develop large-scale sustainable anode graphite production in North America and Europe through a phased multi-billion USD investment program. The company aims to supply advanced materials to 3 million EVs per year by 2030 as a leading provider of advanced anode graphite solutions.

“Vianode empowers battery and EV manufacturers to reduce their carbon footprint. We introduced a new industry standard with a verified climate impact of 1.9 kg CO2 equivalents per kilogram of graphite, and target to nearly halve this by 2030. We look forward to collaborating with GM to further develop high-performance products that enable EVs with faster charging, longer range and extended lifespan,” says Dr. Stefan Bergold, the CCO of Vianode.

Vianode has produced anode graphite solutions at its industrial pilot in Kristiansand, Norway since 2021. Vianode’s Technology Center opened in the same city in 2022, and the first full-scale production plant at Herøya, Norway started production in the second half of 2024.

Image: The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV offers 319 miles of range and is priced affordably starting at $34,995 (General Motors).

About Vianode

Vianode is an advanced battery materials company providing sustainable anode graphite solutions for the battery and EV value chains in North America and Europe. Vianode’s breakthrough solution enables tailored high-performance synthetic anode graphite and a holistic sustainability offering including a 90% reduction in CO2 footprint.

Vianode operates the world's most sustainable full-scale anode graphite plant for batteries at Herøya Norway. The next step involves executing multi-billion dollar phased investment program dedicated to establishing large-scale plants across North America and Europe.

Vianode’s long-term ambition is to supply advanced battery materials to 3 million EVs per year by 2030. Vianode is owned by the world-leading industrial and financial companies Hydro and Altor.

Contact:

Hans Iver Odenrud

Tel +47 958 16 230

Email hio@vianode.com