GM is making huge strides in the EV segment, with plans to shift its light duty vehicle lineup to all-electric power by 2035. Naturally, a shift like that will require an enormous number of batteries, not to mention the raw materials to make them. Now, GM has announced that GM Ventures is leading a $50 million Series B financing round for lithium extraction startup EnergyX.
“We are committed to securing EV critical minerals that are sustainable and cost competitive to maintain our leadership position among automakers,” said GM vice president of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, Jeff Morrison. “The investment in EnergyX is a further proof point of GM’s leadership position. EnergyX is developing a novel direct lithium extraction process that’s not only cost competitive but also will reduce energy, land and water usage as compared to the current extraction and processing process for brine-based lithium.”
Founded in 2018, EnergyX has developed a new direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology portfolio that can produce lithium metal from brine, and potentially for anode-ready form for EV batteries. The technology could provide a cost-effective and sustainable lithium recovery method and unlock a robust North American lithium supply chain.
GM declined to specify how much of the $50 million Series B financing it was funding. However, EnergyX indicates that the funds will finance its expansion across North and South America. In addition, collaboration between GM and EnergyX will include a technology development program to support commercialization of EnergyX’s advanced DLE and refinery processes, as well as an agreement that provides GM exclusive access to competitive lithium offtakes for use in the automaker’s EV production efforts.
“The EnergyX team of scientists and engineers have worked relentlessly for five years developing cutting-edge DLE technology to solve the immense bottlenecks that have limited global lithium production and supply chain,” said EnergyX CEO, Teague Egan. “This single bottleneck (a massive lithium shortage) is the biggest challenge to scaling EV production. We will unlock lithium supply in the U.S., a pivotal move in expanding the EV industry.”
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Comments
LOL, good luck with, I guess I will be shifting manufacturers by 2035.
Linking up with another evil mining company. How long before the greenies drop them from the ESG list because of this.
Mining, once excoriated by the lefties and greenies, is now perfectly fine.
Same with big corporations…
Agenda has a funny way of converting them.
According to Mary’s Uncle Joe, he’s changed the rules on EV’s This is what happens when you make a deal with the Devil. No ICE cars after 2027. All EV’s from then on. But the Under lying plan isn’t EV’s, There is something worse.
All of this will end in 24.