The battery cells for the Chevy Bolt are supplied by LG Energy Solution, through GM’s Ultium Cells joint venture. In the early years, Bolts used cells from LG Chem, but GM’s shift to the Ultium platform has centralized battery production under the LG Energy Solution–GM partnership.
Battery supply through the years
Since the Bolt’s debut, GM’s approach to sourcing battery cells has evolved. The first-generation Bolt relied on LG Chem’s cells, while newer Bolts leverage LG Energy Solution’s Ultium Cells network as GM expands a unified battery strategy for its electric vehicles.
- Original Bolt (2017–2021): battery cells provided by LG Chem (LG Chem/LG Energy Solution lineage) for the 60 kWh pack.
- Formation of Ultium Cells LLC (2020): GM and LG Energy Solution establish Ultium Cells as a 50/50 joint venture to mass-produce GM’s next-generation battery cells and modules.
- Recall and remedy period (2021–2023): GM replaced affected packs; the replacements were produced within the Ultium Cells framework as part of a broader move to standardize battery production.
- Current production (Bolt EUV and later models): batteries supplied by Ultium Cells LLC, with cells manufactured at GM–LGES joint‑venture plants in Ohio and Michigan.
These developments illustrate a transition from LG Chem’s direct cells in the early Bolts to a unified Ultium Cells supply chain that GM uses for its current and upcoming electric vehicles.
Where the batteries are made today
Today, GM’s electric-vehicle battery supply for the Bolt primarily comes from Ultium Cells LLC, the 50/50 joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution. The main production sites for these cells are in Ohio and Michigan, with continued expansion to meet rising demand for GM’s EV lineup.
- Ultium Cells plants in Lordstown, Ohio, and Brownstown Township (near Detroit), Michigan, produce the battery cells used by the Bolt family and other GM EVs.
- LG Energy Solution remains the parent supplier of the underlying battery technology and cells through the Ultium collaboration, ensuring continuity across GM’s electric-vehicle portfolio.
- Future Bolts and other GM EVs will continue to rely on the Ultium Cells network, with additional plants and capacity additions planned to support growth.
Concluding paragraph: The Bolt’s current and future battery supply is dominated by Ultium Cells, reflecting GM’s strategy to consolidate battery production with a major partner to scale across its electric-vehicle lineup.
What buyers should know
Understanding the supplier helps gauge warranty coverage, potential recall remedies, and the long-term maintenance and replacement options for Bolt batteries as GM expands its Ultium-based platform.
Key takeaways for readers
- Early Bolts used LG Chem cells; newer Bolts use Ultium Cells-produced cells via the GM–LG Energy Solution partnership.
- Ultium Cells operates plants in Ohio and Michigan to supply GM’s EVs, including the Bolt family.
- GM’s battery strategy aims for standardization across its electric-vehicle lineup, potentially affecting future service and replacement options.
Summary
In short, the Chevy Bolt’s batteries originate with LG Energy Solution through the Ultium Cells joint venture with General Motors. The shift from LG Chem cells to Ultium Cells reflects GM’s broader plan to unify battery production for its expanding electric-vehicle portfolio, with current production centered in Ohio and Michigan and ongoing capacity expansions to support future Bolts and other GM EVs.