GM Invests in Sodium Batteries and Electric Vehicles for Grid Power
June 13, 2026
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Key Takeaways
General Motors is expanding into energy storage and EV charging in Canada, developing sodium-ion batteries as a cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries, which could reduce costs for Canadian consumers and provide a sustainable source of energy storage for electric vehicles.
The company plans to connect 52,000 EVs to the grid by the end of the decade, providing a significant source of energy storage for the Canadian power grid and potentially helping to stabilize the grid and reduce strain on provincial energy systems, supporting the growth of the Canadian EV market.
GM's sodium-ion batteries are expected to be 20% less expensive than lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, making them an attractive option for energy storage applications, and the company's Energy Pass system will integrate charging and payments across major networks, including Electrify America and ChargePoint, making EV charging more convenient for Canadian consumers.
General Motors Expands into Energy Storage and EV Charging in Canada
General Motors, the largest automaker in North America by sales, is diversifying its portfolio to become a major energy company. The company is developing sodium-ion batteries for energy storage systems, which could provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. With Canadian pricing for EVs on the rise, GM's new battery technology could help reduce costs for Canadian consumers. Additionally, the company's plans to connect 52,000 EVs to the grid by the end of the decade could provide a significant source of energy storage for the Canadian power grid, potentially helping to stabilize the grid and reduce the strain on provincial energy systems.
Sodium-Ion Batteries: A New Addition to GM's Lineup
GM's vice president of battery and sustainability, Kurt Kelty, believes that sodium-ion batteries will play a crucial role in the company's energy storage strategy. With the Canadian government's iZEV incentives and provincial rebates, such as those offered in Ontario and British Columbia, Canadian consumers may be more likely to adopt EVs and energy storage systems. Sodium-ion batteries are expected to be 20% less expensive than lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, making them an attractive option for energy storage applications. The abundance of sodium in North America, with significant reserves in Canada, could also reduce the company's dependence on Chinese battery supply chains and provide a more sustainable source of energy storage.
Energy Storage and Grid Stability in Canada
GM's plans to connect EVs to the grid could provide a significant source of energy storage for the Canadian power grid. With the increasing demand for renewable energy sources, energy storage systems will play a crucial role in stabilizing the grid and reducing the strain on provincial energy systems. The company's Home Energy setup, which allows EVs to power homes, could be particularly useful in rural areas of Canada where access to reliable energy sources may be limited. Furthermore, the integration of GM's Energy Pass system, which consolidates charging and payments across major networks into a single app, could make EV charging more convenient for Canadian consumers, especially with the expansion of charging networks across the country, such as the Ontario government's plan to build 250 public fast-charging stations along highways and in urban centres by 2025.
Making EV Charging Easier for Canadians
GM's Energy Pass system is designed to make EV charging more convenient for Canadian consumers. The system integrates all charging functions directly into the myChevrolet, myCadillac, and myGMC apps, allowing owners to charge seamlessly across major networks, including Electrify America, ChargePoint, and the Tesla Supercharger network. Model year 2027 GM EVs will also come with a native NACS charging port, plus Plug & Charge capability at participating stations, making it easier for Canadians to charge their EVs on the go, whether they're driving across the country or commuting to work in urban centres. With the Canadian government's goal of having 100% of new car sales be zero-emission vehicles by 2035, GM's efforts to expand its energy storage and EV charging capabilities could help support the adoption of EVs in Canada and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.
