GM and Redwood will deploy both new and second-life GM EV batteries into scalable U.S.-built energy storage systems.
The partnership supports critical infrastructure like AI data centers, aiming to bolster U.S. energy resilience and grid stability.
GM’s batteries are already powering the largest second-life battery installation in the world—Redwood’s 12MW/63MWh microgrid in Nevada.
General Motors has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Redwood Materials to accelerate the rollout of energy storage systems using GM’s U.S.-manufactured batteries and second-life electric vehicle (EV) battery packs.
This deepens an existing collaboration between the two companies and extends GM’s advanced battery technologies beyond electric mobility to grid-scale and backup energy systems.
“The market for grid-scale batteries and backup power isn’t just expanding, it’s becoming essential infrastructure,” said Kurt Kelty, GM’s Vice President of Batteries, Propulsion, and Sustainability. “Electricity demand is climbing, and it’s only going to accelerate. To meet that challenge, the U.S. needs energy storage solutions that can be deployed quickly, economically, and made right here at home. GM batteries can play an integral role.”
In June, Redwood launched Redwood Energy, a new business unit focused on rapidly deploying low-cost energy storage systems—built with both new battery modules and repurposed EV packs—to meet surging demand from AI data centers and other high-load applications.
Through the MoU, Redwood will now integrate GM’s second-life EV batteries and new U.S.-made modules into its growing portfolio of domestic energy storage systems—delivering vertically integrated solutions from “cell to system.”
One high-profile example is already operational: GM’s repurposed EV batteries are powering Redwood’s 12MW/63MWh installation in Sparks, Nevada—the largest second-life battery deployment globally and the largest microgrid in North America. The site supports AI infrastructure company Crusoe.
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“Electricity demand is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, driven by AI and the rapid electrification of everything from transportation to industry,” said JB Straubel, Founder and CEO of Redwood Materials. “Both GM’s second-life EV batteries and new batteries can be deployed in Redwood’s energy storage systems, delivering fast, flexible power solutions and strengthening America’s energy and manufacturing independence.”
The U.S. electricity grid is under mounting pressure as AI data centers are expected to triple their share of national energy usage—from 4.4% in 2023 to 12% by 2028. To support that growth, energy storage systems are essential to stabilizing power supply and preventing outages.
Further details on GM and Redwood Materials’ plans are expected in 2025.
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