Kurt Kelty takes over as new chief battery strategist at GM
Kurt Kelty led the battery development team at Tesla for over eleven years before leaving in 2017. Most recently, he worked for Sila Nanotechnologies. Kurt Kelty will now become the first Vice President of Batteries at GM – a new position created by the US car manufacturer.
Specifically, Kelty will be responsible for General Motors’ battery cell strategy and a new end-to-end approach. This includes topics such as the use of raw materials, research and development, investments in new technologies, the commercialisation of cells and packs as well as the second-life use of used electric car batteries.
In his new role, Kelty will report directly to GM President Mark Reuss. He and his team will be responsible for a key part of GM’s electrification strategy, according to an accompanying press release. And it will do so by bringing together “the company’s already robust battery development resources” with industry expertise.
“For more than 30 years, I’ve been focused on helping develop and commercialize battery technologies that will aid in the transition to electric transportation. Joining GM creates an even bigger opportunity to help the industry make the switch and have a lasting impact on our planet,” Kelty is quoted as saying in the press release.
“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,” Reuss added.
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