GM pursues domestic battery supply chain as Ford faces China scrutiny

UBS analyst Joseph Spak highlights GM's underappreciated digital capabilities, raising its price target to $114. GM's total digital revenue could reach $9.6B by 2036, tripling over a decade. 22 of 29 analysts rate GM a buy or strong buy. Shares are up 5% YTD, underperforming the market.

The FTC banned GM from selling customer data to third parties for five years. GM collected driving behavior data via OnStar's Smart Driver feature, shared with LexisNexis and Verisk for insurance risk profiles. The settlement requires GM to simplify opting out of location tracking and allow data access/deletion.

General Motors (GM) is developing next-generation battery cells to reduce U.S. dependence on China, aiming for domestic production within 2-3 years. GM's Kurt Kelty stated the company is prioritizing domestic battery cell production for energy storage systems and future electric vehicles. GM expects to launch commercial production of sodium-ion battery cells with Peak Energy around 2029. The Trump administration has criticized Ford for its ties to Chinese companies, including for battery cell pr

Ford, GM, and Stellantis received preliminary FDIC approval for industrial bank charters, joining firms like PayPal and crypto ventures in seeking banking licenses. Ford, GM, and Stellantis stocks rose 4%, 5%, and 4% respectively. Banking charters offer cost savings and regulatory benefits.

General Motors partnered with Peak Energy to develop sodium-ion batteries for grid storage, starting production in 2028. GM aims to leverage sodium-ion's cost and scalability advantages over lithium. Chinese firms like CATL and BYD lead in sodium-ion production, with GM focusing on long-life stationary systems. Sodium-ion batteries offer lower costs and environmental benefits but lag in energy density. GM's investment is part of a broader industry shift toward alternative battery chemistries.

Ford and GM are repurposing underused EV battery capacity for energy storage systems, creating new revenue streams. Ford Energy will provide U.S.-assembled BESS for utilities and data centers, investing $2B in the next two years. GM partnered with Peak Energy for grid-scale storage. Both companies aim to offset EV losses and diversify portfolios as demand for battery storage grows, with U.S. utility-scale capacity up 70% annually.