GM plans U.S. battery development as Trump's DOT attacks Ford for China ties
General Motors and Ford are stepping up efforts to secure domestic battery supply chains for electric vehicles. Ford faces political scrutiny over operating an already active Michigan plant that utilizes Chinese battery technology. Meanwhile, General Motors advances research into alternative cell chemistries, including sodium-ion and manganese-based prismatic lithium-manganese-rich cells, to limit its reliance on Asian suppliers. General Motors targets production of its affordable lithium-manganese-rich batteries before the end of the decade, as both Detroit automakers race to build out local manufacturing capabilities.
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- ✓ Ford Motor is under political fire over its use of Chinese battery technology at a Michigan plant that is already operating.
- ✓ General Motors is pushing sodium-ion battery research to build U.S. battery capacity and limit reliance on Chinese suppliers.
- ✓ The two Detroit automakers are intensifying efforts to secure domestic battery supply chains for future electric vehicle production.
What changed
Ford faced direct political fire over its utilization of Chinese battery technology at an operational Michigan facility.
Live updates
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GM and Ford Target U.S. Battery Supply Amid Political Pressure
General Motors and Ford are stepping up efforts to secure domestic battery supply chains for electric vehicles. Ford faces political scrutiny over operating an already active Michigan plant that utilizes Chinese battery technology. Meanwhile, General Motors advances research into alternative cell chemistries, including sodium-ion and manganese-based prismatic lithium-manganese-rich cells, to limit its reliance on Asian suppliers. General Motors targets production of its affordable lithium-manganese-rich batteries before the end of the decade, as both Detroit automakers race to build out local manufacturing capabilities.
Why it matters
American automotive manufacturers must navigate mounting political scrutiny and supply chain disruptions, including a rare earth export ban implemented by Beijing on April 4, 2025. Federal policies under the Trump administration have intensified the shift by eliminating the electric vehicle tax credit. Consequently, automakers are altering their sourcing strategies to reduce dependence on foreign technology and build robust domestic production footprints.
What is confirmed
- Ford Motor is under political fire over its use of Chinese battery technology at a Michigan plant that is already operating.
- General Motors is pushing sodium-ion battery research to build U.S. battery capacity and limit reliance on Chinese suppliers.
- The two Detroit automakers are intensifying efforts to secure domestic battery supply chains for future electric vehicle production.
Still unconfirmed
- Lithium-manganese-rich batteries should arrive before the end of the decade and be affordable.
What to watch next
- Further political actions or regulatory penalties targeting Ford over its Chinese battery technology usage.
- Milestones in General Motors research and commercialization timelines for sodium-ion and lithium-manganese-rich batteries.
- Additional policy adjustments affecting domestic electric vehicle tax credits or supply chain mandates.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- finance.yahoo.com — What Does Ford Motor (F) Michigan Battery Lead Mean For Its ...
- www.carscoops.com — GM’s Next-Gen Battery Is Inching Closer To Production
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GM Scales Domestic Battery Tech as China Tensions Mount
General Motors is ramping up domestic battery development, scaling production of pioneering manganese-based prismatic LMR cells and partnering with Denver-based startup Peak Energy to reduce reliance on Asian supply chains. Researchers in Warren, Michigan, prepared multiple variations of the new battery chemistry to lower costs. Meanwhile, American automakers face heavy pressure from Beijing's rare earth export ban implemented on April 4, 2025, and shifting political dynamics, including the elimination of the federal EV tax credit under Trump administration policies.
Why it matters
The push by Detroit automakers to decouple from foreign supply chains coincides with intense political scrutiny over ties to Chinese technology. The U.S. auto sector is also grappling with the fallout of critical mineral restrictions and shifting federal subsidies that have impacted domestic EV investments. Industry executives are navigating these headwinds ahead of high-stakes diplomatic visits and rising competition from low-cost overseas alternatives.
What is confirmed
- General Motors is developing next-generation battery cells and partnering with Peak Energy to reduce U.S. dependence on China.
- Researchers at a General Motors lab in Warren, Michigan, prepared 18 variations of a new battery chemistry to reduce vehicle costs.
- China enacted an export ban on six critical rare earth elements on April 4, 2025, impacting major American EV manufacturers including Tesla, General Motors, and Rivian.
- Elimination of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit under Trump administration policies has impacted domestic manufacturing investments.
Still unconfirmed
- General Motors intends to build a battery assembly plant based on Chinese CATL technology acquired through Japan's TDK.
- The tariff wall protecting domestic automakers may fail to hold against incoming competition from Chinese electric vehicles.
What to watch next
- Commercial deployment and scaling milestones of GM's new manganese-based prismatic LMR battery cells
- Further policy actions or statements from the Trump administration regarding automaker ties to Chinese battery technology
- Developments in rare earth mineral supplies following China's export ban
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (11)
- www.usatoday.com — Auto groups urge Trump to keep out Chinese vehicles ahead of Xi visit
- www.theinformation.com — Exclusive: GM Is Pumping Out Cathodes And Moving to Bypass China's Battery Chokehold
- www.theinformation.com — A Close Look at the New Battery GM Plans to Make Despite ...
- www.juniorstocks.com — Juniorstocks | U.S. Auto Giants Tesla, GM, Rivian, and Ford ...
- finance.yahoo.com — Tesla (TSLA), Ford (F), and GM (GM) Face a Weaker EV Market ...
- 247wallst.com — China EVs Could Destroy Ford And GM - 24/7 Wall St.
- finance.yahoo.com — GM (GM) Looks to Sodium-Ion Batteries to Gain an Edge Over ...
- www.traxtech.com — GM's AI Battery Push and What It Means for Energy in Supply ...
- electrek.co — GM's new EV battery tech will cut costs without sacrificing ...
- www.theinformation.com — The Electric by Steve LeVine — The Information
- www.akm.ru — General Motors plans to buy CATL batteries from Japan's TDK
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GM expands US battery supply chain amid Trump administration pressure on Ford
General Motors is establishing domestic supply chains for electric vehicles and energy storage systems to reduce reliance on China. The company is developing next-generation sodium-ion batteries and opening a new battery lab to compete with Asian manufacturers. Executives intend to complete this domestic infrastructure within two to three years. This move follows public criticism from President Trump's Department of Transportation regarding Ford's ties to China.
Why it matters
China currently holds a significant lead in battery manufacturing, forcing American automakers to rely on foreign supply chains. GM aims to replicate this ecosystem within the United States to ensure energy security and technical independence.
What is confirmed
- General Motors is building US supply chains for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
- GM is developing next-generation sodium-ion batteries and a new battery lab.
- The Trump administration's Department of Transportation criticized Ford for its connections to China.
What to watch next
- Official opening date of the new battery lab
- Updates on the two to three year timeline for supply chain completion
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.carscoops.com — After Trump Blasted Ford, GM Goes All-In On The US For Its Next-Gen Batteries
- autos.yahoo.com — Trump Slammed Ford, Now GM Says Next-Gen Batteries Will Be Made In The U.S.
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GM Plans U.S. Battery Development as DOT Targets Ford
General Motors is planning United States battery development to build a domestic supply chain and reduce its reliance on China. The initiative involves developing next-generation sodium-ion batteries and opening a new battery lab to challenge Asian rivals while shifting aspects of its strategy. Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation under President Trump has launched an attack on Ford over its connections to China. Executives state that the company aims to establish this domestic supply chain within two to three years.
Why it matters
Automakers face intensifying political pressure and regulatory scrutiny regarding their supply chain ties to foreign nations. General Motors is attempting to secure domestic production capabilities to mitigate these geopolitical risks. The simultaneous scrutiny facing Ford highlights the heightened attention on the automotive industry's international partnerships.
What is confirmed
- General Motors is planning United States battery development to establish a domestic supply chain and reduce reliance on China.
- The Department of Transportation has attacked Ford over its China ties.
Still unconfirmed
- GM plans to create a domestic battery supply chain in the United States within two to three years.
What to watch next
- Specific regulatory actions or statements from the Department of Transportation regarding Ford.
- Further details on General Motors' timeline and facility deployments for its domestic battery supply chain.
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (9)
- CNBC — GM plans U.S. battery development as Trump's DOT attacks Ford for China ties
- Pluang — GM develops next-gen sodium-ion batteries to cu...
- Latitude Media — Inside GM’s new battery lab — and its plans to challenge Asian rivals
- TradingView — General Motors plans U.S. next-generation battery development - CNBC
- Traders Union — GM advances U.S. battery supply chain plan to cut China reliance
- thelec.net — GM Overhauls Battery Strategy, Expands Korea R&D Role
- eletric-vehicles.com — GM Aims for Domestic Battery Supply Chain in 2-3 Years, Exec Says
- ua.news — GM plans to create a domestic battery supply chain in the US
- finance.yahoo.com — GM pursues domestic battery supply chain as Ford faces China scrutiny
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