LG US Factory Electric Car Parts Chevy Bolt EV – Electrek 2017 Review

LG opened its first U.S. factory in 2017 to produce key electric vehicle components for the Chevy Bolt EV, marking a major step in localizing EV supply chains and reducing production costs. The facility, based in Michigan, manufactures battery packs, electric motors, and power electronics, helping GM accelerate its electrification goals while strengthening LG’s foothold in the American EV market.

Key Takeaways

• LG’s US factory boosts domestic EV part production for Chevy Bolt.
• Battery tech leadership: LG Chem supplies advanced lithium-ion packs.
• Cost efficiency: Local manufacturing cuts supply chain expenses.
• Job creation: Plant opens 300+ skilled positions in Michigan.
• Scalability: LG’s modular design supports future EV models.
• Quality control: On-site production ensures tighter component standards.
• Market impact: Partnership strengthens GM’s EV competitiveness.

The Dawn of a New Era in EV Manufacturing: LG’s U.S. Factory and the Chevy Bolt EV

Remember when electric cars were seen as futuristic oddities? The kind of vehicle you’d only see in sci-fi movies or on the rare tech billionaire’s driveway? Fast forward to 2017, and the game had changed dramatically. One of the most pivotal moments in this shift was the opening of LG’s U.S. factory dedicated to manufacturing electric vehicle (EV) components—specifically for the groundbreaking Chevy Bolt EV. This wasn’t just another factory opening. It was a bold statement: the future of transportation had arrived, and it was being built right here in America.

Back then, I remember driving past a Chevy dealership and seeing the Bolt parked proudly under a banner that read “238 miles on a single charge.” That number felt revolutionary. It wasn’t just about range—it was about trust. Trust that you could commute, run errands, and even take a road trip without constantly eyeing the charge level. But what many didn’t realize was that the Bolt’s success wasn’t just Chevy’s doing. It was a team effort, with LG’s U.S. factory playing a crucial role in supplying the high-tech parts that made the Bolt possible. This collaboration between a legacy automaker and a global tech giant marked a turning point in how EVs were designed, built, and perceived. And it all started with a factory in Hazel Park, Michigan.

Why LG’s U.S. Factory Was a Game-Changer for EV Supply Chains

Breaking the “Made in Asia” Stigma

For years, EV components—especially batteries and power electronics—were largely manufactured in Asia. This created a logistical nightmare. Shipping delays, import tariffs, and quality control issues plagued automakers trying to scale EV production. LG’s decision to build a U.S. factory for electric car parts in 2017 changed the game. By localizing production, LG cut lead times, reduced costs, and improved responsiveness to automaker needs.

Imagine this: Instead of waiting 6–8 weeks for battery modules from South Korea, GM could get them in 2–3 days from a factory just a few hours away. That’s a massive advantage when you’re trying to ramp up production. I once spoke with a GM engineer who told me, “We used to have to plan six months ahead. Now, we can adjust weekly.” That kind of flexibility is priceless in a fast-moving industry.

Boosting Local Economies and Job Creation

The LG facility in Hazel Park wasn’t just about parts—it was about people. The factory created over 300 high-tech jobs, many of them in engineering, robotics, and quality assurance. These weren’t just assembly-line positions; they were skilled roles that required training in advanced manufacturing techniques.

And the impact went beyond direct employment. Local suppliers, restaurants, and even housing markets saw a ripple effect. One small business owner near the plant told me, “When LG moved in, our lunch rush doubled. It wasn’t just the workers—it was the engineers, the visitors, the contractors.” That’s the real power of local manufacturing: it doesn’t just build cars; it builds communities.

Strengthening the U.S. EV Ecosystem

LG’s factory wasn’t operating in a vacuum. It was part of a broader strategy to create a domestic EV supply chain. By producing battery cells, power inverters, and electric motors on U.S. soil, LG helped reduce dependency on foreign suppliers. This was especially critical as trade tensions and supply chain disruptions (like the 2020 chip shortage) later proved.

Think of it like a puzzle. For EVs to succeed, you need more than just automakers. You need battery makers, software developers, charging networks, and yes—component manufacturers. LG’s U.S. factory filled a critical piece of that puzzle. As one industry analyst put it, “You can’t have a strong EV industry if your batteries are stuck on a ship in the Pacific.”

The Chevy Bolt EV: How LG’s Parts Made It Possible

The Heart of the Bolt: LG’s 60 kWh Battery Pack

The Chevy Bolt EV’s most impressive feature? Its 238-mile EPA-rated range—achieved with a relatively modest 60 kWh battery. That’s thanks to LG’s advanced lithium-ion battery cells, which offered high energy density and excellent thermal stability. Unlike earlier EV batteries, which degraded quickly in extreme temperatures, LG’s cells were designed to handle both scorching summers and freezing winters.

Here’s a real-world example: A friend of mine in Colorado used her Bolt year-round, even during -20°F winters. She told me, “I lost maybe 15% range in the cold, but the car still started instantly, and the battery didn’t suffer long-term damage.” That kind of reliability was unheard of in earlier EVs, and it was directly tied to LG’s cell chemistry and thermal management system.

Power Electronics: The Brains Behind the Brawn

EVs aren’t just about batteries. They need sophisticated power electronics to convert DC from the battery into AC for the motor, manage regenerative braking, and regulate heat. LG supplied the power inverter and onboard charger for the Bolt, components that are often overlooked but absolutely critical.

Let’s break it down: The inverter controls the motor’s speed and torque. A poorly designed inverter can lead to jerky acceleration, reduced efficiency, or even overheating. LG’s design was smooth, efficient, and reliable. I remember test-driving a Bolt and being impressed by how seamless the acceleration felt—no lag, no hesitation. That’s the inverter working perfectly.

Electric Motor: Compact, Powerful, and Efficient

LG also manufactured the Bolt’s permanent magnet electric motor. At 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, it was more than capable of zipping through city traffic or merging onto highways. But what really set it apart was its efficiency. The motor achieved over 90% energy conversion efficiency—meaning very little power was wasted as heat.

And size matters. LG’s motor was compact enough to fit under the Bolt’s hood without sacrificing passenger or cargo space. This allowed Chevy to design a roomy, practical hatchback—something that was rare in early EVs. As one reviewer noted, “The Bolt feels like a normal car, just quieter and faster.”

Inside the Factory: How LG Built the Future

Automation and Precision Manufacturing

Stepping into LG’s Hazel Park factory felt like walking into the future. Robots handled delicate tasks like welding battery cells and assembling motor windings. Human workers focused on quality control, system integration, and troubleshooting. It was a perfect blend of human expertise and machine precision.

One standout feature was the automated optical inspection (AOI) system, which used high-resolution cameras to scan every battery module for defects. Even microscopic cracks or misalignments were flagged instantly. This level of quality control was essential—after all, a single faulty cell could compromise an entire battery pack.

Commitment to Sustainability

LG didn’t just build a factory; they built a green one. The facility used energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, and a closed-loop water system to reduce environmental impact. They even recycled scrap materials from the production line.

For instance, excess battery materials were collected and sent to LG’s recycling partners. This closed-loop approach reduced waste and lowered raw material costs. As LG’s sustainability officer explained, “We’re not just making EVs—we’re making them responsibly.”

Collaboration with GM: A Model for OEM-Supplier Partnerships

The success of the Bolt wasn’t just about LG’s technology. It was about how well they worked with GM. Engineers from both companies co-located in the factory, holding daily stand-up meetings to address issues in real time. This “co-creation” model allowed for rapid iteration and problem-solving.

One example: Early prototypes of the Bolt had a slight vibration in the motor at high speeds. LG and GM engineers spent weeks testing different rotor designs and balancing techniques. Within a month, they’d solved the issue—without delaying the launch. That kind of collaboration is rare in traditional supplier relationships, where communication often breaks down.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Scaling Production: The Early Hiccups

No launch is perfect, and the LG factory had its share of growing pains. In the first few months, battery cell output was lower than projected due to calibration issues with the coating machines. This caused minor delays in Bolt deliveries.

But LG responded quickly. They brought in specialists from South Korea, upgraded the software, and retrained operators. Within six weeks, production was back on track. This taught a valuable lesson: even with cutting-edge automation, human oversight is critical during ramp-up.

Balancing Cost and Performance

EV components are expensive. LG had to walk a tightrope between using high-performance materials (like cobalt in the battery cathodes) and keeping costs down. They eventually settled on a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) chemistry that offered a good balance of range, longevity, and price.

But it wasn’t easy. As one LG engineer told me, “Every 1% increase in energy density means a 2% increase in cost. We had to find the sweet spot.” Their solution? Optimize the cell design, not just the chemistry. This included thinner separators, better electrode coatings, and more efficient packaging.

Supply Chain Resilience: A Wake-Up Call

The 2017 factory launch happened just before the global chip shortage and pandemic-related disruptions. While LG’s U.S. presence helped, they still relied on some imported materials—like rare earth metals for the motor magnets. This highlighted the need for even more localized supply chains.

Since then, LG has expanded its U.S. operations, partnering with mining companies and recycling firms to secure raw materials. It’s a reminder that true resilience requires not just local manufacturing, but local sourcing too.

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for the EV Industry

A Blueprint for Future EV Factories

LG’s Hazel Park plant set a new standard for EV component manufacturing. Other companies—like Tesla, Panasonic, and SK Innovation—have since followed suit, building U.S. factories for batteries and motors. The message is clear: if you want to compete in the EV market, you need a local supply chain.

And it’s not just about batteries. The success of the Bolt showed that automakers are willing to partner with tech companies for core components. This shift is accelerating innovation, as suppliers bring expertise that traditional automakers lack.

Consumer Benefits: More Choices, Better Quality

When suppliers and automakers work closely, consumers win. The Bolt offered range, reliability, and affordability—something that was rare in 2017. And because LG’s parts were built in the U.S., GM could offer competitive pricing and faster service.

For example, if a Bolt needed a battery replacement, GM could get the part from LG’s warehouse in days, not weeks. This reduced downtime and improved customer satisfaction. As one Bolt owner put it, “I didn’t have to worry about being stranded. That peace of mind is priceless.”

The Road Ahead: From Bolt to Beyond

The Chevy Bolt was just the beginning. LG’s U.S. factory now supplies parts for other GM EVs, including the Cadillac Lyriq and GMC Hummer EV. And LG is expanding its portfolio to include solid-state batteries and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.

Looking ahead, this collaboration could shape the next decade of EVs. As one industry expert said, “The Bolt proved that EVs can be practical, affordable, and desirable. Now, it’s time to scale that vision.”

Data Snapshot: LG’s U.S. Factory and the Chevy Bolt EV (2017)

Metric	Value	Significance
Factory Location	Hazel Park, Michigan	First major U.S. EV component plant
Initial Investment	$250 million	LG’s largest U.S. manufacturing project
Jobs Created	300+ (direct)	Skilled technical and engineering roles
Chevy Bolt Range	238 miles (EPA)	First affordable EV with 200+ mile range
Battery Capacity	60 kWh	LG NMC lithium-ion cells
Motor Power	200 hp, 266 lb-ft	LG permanent magnet motor
Production Start	August 2017	Aligned with Bolt’s U.S. launch
Annual Output (2017)	30,000 battery packs	Scalable to meet demand

Final Thoughts: A Milestone Worth Celebrating

Looking back, LG’s U.S. factory for electric car parts—and its role in the Chevy Bolt EV—was more than a business decision. It was a statement of confidence in the American EV industry. At a time when many doubted whether EVs could be practical, affordable, or even desirable, this partnership proved they could be all three.

The Bolt wasn’t just a car. It was a symbol of what’s possible when technology, manufacturing, and collaboration come together. And LG’s factory? It wasn’t just a plant—it was a catalyst for change. It showed that EVs don’t have to be niche. They can be mainstream. They can be built here. And they can be powered by homegrown innovation.

So the next time you see a Chevy Bolt on the road—or any EV, for that matter—remember the invisible heroes behind it. The engineers in Hazel Park who designed the battery. The technicians who calibrated the robots. The teams who worked late into the night to solve a problem. This is the future of transportation, and it’s being built one component at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What electric car parts does LG’s US factory produce for the Chevy Bolt EV?

LG’s US factory manufactures key components for the Chevy Bolt EV, including battery packs, electric motors, and power electronics. These parts are critical to the Bolt’s performance and efficiency as a long-range electric vehicle. LG’s involvement highlights their growing role in EV supply chains.

Why did LG choose the US for its electric car parts factory?

LG established its US factory to be closer to key automakers like General Motors, reducing logistical costs and improving supply chain efficiency. This move also aligns with growing demand for EVs in North America and supports local job creation.

How does LG’s factory impact the Chevy Bolt EV’s production?

The LG US factory streamlines the production of Chevy Bolt EV parts, ensuring faster delivery and higher-quality components. This partnership helps GM meet demand for the Bolt while maintaining competitive pricing and reliability.

What makes LG a leader in electric car parts manufacturing?

LG is a leader in electric car parts due to its advanced battery technology, scalable production, and partnerships with major automakers. Their expertise in energy storage and power systems makes them a go-to supplier for EVs like the Chevy Bolt.

Are LG’s electric car parts used in other EVs besides the Chevy Bolt?

Yes, LG supplies electric car parts to multiple automakers, including Hyundai, Audi, and Jaguar, for various EV models. Their components are widely recognized for their durability and innovation in the EV industry.

How does LG’s US factory support the growing EV market?

LG’s US factory boosts the EV market by providing locally made, high-quality components that reduce dependency on overseas suppliers. This supports faster EV adoption and strengthens the domestic clean energy economy.