GM Taps Ex-Tesla Exec for EV Business
Part of his charge is developing ‘lower-cost, higher-performing’ models.
GM said Kelty will help it reach electrification goals and 'position GM as a leader in EV technology.'
IMAGE: Chevrolet
General Motors picked up former Tesla executive Kurt Kelty as its vice president of batteries.
The Detroit-based automaker touted the hire as part of its push toward “an all-electric future,” though it and other legacy brands have slowed their time lines to transition away from gas-powered vehicles.
GM called Kelty a “globally recognized battery expert” and said it’s charging him with its “battery cell strategy and a new end-to-end approach,” including new technology investment, cell and pack commercialization and “end of life opportunities.”
Part of his team’s work will be to produce “lower-cost, higher performing” electric vehicles at scale. The lack of lower-priced EVs has been a snag in U.S. adoption, as lineups have skewed toward the high end. Consumers consistently rank the high price of EVs as an obstacle to moving away from gas-powered models.
“The foundation that GM has 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 GM as a leader in EV technology,” said GM President Mark Reuss, whom Kelty will report to.
Kelty led Tesla’s battery-development team for 11 years before moving to Sila.
LEARN MORE: General Motors Announces New Leadership at Customer Care, Aftersales
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Showroom
New-Vehicle Prices Stay Put
Affordability pressures and model availability shaped new-vehicle sales in September, according to an analysis by Kelley Blue Book.
Read More →
EV Buyer Consideration Shifts
What drives American consumers to purchase an electric vehicle is shifting as the question moves away from Should I?' to 'Which features and experience do I want to have?'
Read More →
Year-to-Date Auto Sales Holding Their Own
A forecast through August shows that automakers have shifted strategies to keep deliveries and revenues up despite tariffs and other economic challenges.
Read More →
Slow to Robo
Ten years of polling consumers shows autonomous vehicles’ profiles have risen considerably, but even more people now want at least some level of control if they go that route.
Read More →
Dealers a Little Down
A third-quarter Cox Automotive survey finds them in a mixed mood, bummed by fallen customer traffic but encouraged by better profits, costs and EV interest.
Read More →
European EV Sales Skyrocket
The EV market on the continent held strong in July with almost 25% of new-car sales being fully electric units, a stark contrast to the U.S., where EV sales declined about 42%.
Read More →
Mitsubishi Unveils U.S. Plan
The automaker announced a strategy that includes an expanded lineup and dealership presence, along with more ‘rugged’ and electric models.
Read More →
Used Lots Getting the Business
Many consumers are seeking out the units to save money, and the demand – higher in July than normal – is keeping supply limited and prices up.
Read More →
Used Market Stabilizes
The Carfax Used Car Index noted a major drop in used-vehicle price increases in July after several months of hikes.
Read More →
California Hybrids Reach State Record
The Golden State still leads the country in electric-vehicle registrations, but much like the rest of the U.S. its hybrid market share is up while full electrics stabilize after a dramatic first-quarter dip.
Read More →