General Motors has hired Kurt Kelty, a former Tesla executive to be vice president of Batteries.

He will report to GM President Mark Reuss.

Entering a newly created role, Mr Kelty will oversee GM’s battery cell strategy.

This will include the use of raw materials, research, developing and investing in new technology as well as the commercialisation of cells and packs.

On his appointment, Mr Kelty said: “For more than 30 years, I’ve been focused on helping develop and commercialise battery technologies that will aid in the transition to electric transportation.”

Most recently, Mr Kelty was a vice president at Sila, where he was responsible for sales, business development, battery cell manufacturing partnerships and battery engineering.

Prior to Sila, he led the Tesla battery development team for 11 years. He was a key driver in the creation of Tesla’s first Gigafactory.

He began his work in lithium-ion batteries in 1993, working for Panasonic, where he created alliances and joint development programs to advance lithium-ion rechargeable batteries for portable applications.

GM President Mark Reuss said: “The foundation that GM has established coupled with Kurt’s exceptional battery expertise in leading battery chemistry development, establishing partnerships, building out supply chains and partnering closely with teams that have developed leading battery systems will help us achieve our electrification goals and position GM as a leader in EV technology.”