General Motors (GM) has announced a $390 million investment in Kansas to prepare for the production of the next-generation Chevy Bolt EV.
This decision comes on the heels of GM’s recent announcement to discontinue Chevy Malibu production, one of the few remaining gas-powered sedans offered by Chevrolet in the United States. The Chevy Malibu, in production since the 1960s, will cease production by November 2024 as GM shifts its focus towards crossover SUVs and electric vehicles (EVs).
In addition to the Chevy Bolt EV, GM plans to modify its Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City for the production of the Cadillac XT4. Both vehicles will be manufactured on the same assembly line at the plant.
The investment in Kansas is part of GM’s broader strategy to expand its EV production capabilities. In April 2024, GM committed to building a $3.5 billion battery plant in Indiana to produce Ultium batteries. The company has begun site preparations for heavy construction at the Indiana plant after its partnership with LG for the project fell through. GM is now collaborating with Samsung SDI on the battery plant.
Furthermore, GM is in negotiations with China-based CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd) for a license agreement regarding its LFP battery technology. There are discussions about a potential joint battery factory in North America between GM and CATL.
