The claim that Ultium Cells can "make enough cells to build a new electric vehicle nearly every minute" holds for their combined output (37.32 EVs/hour ≈ one every 1.61 minutes, close to "nearly every minute").
However, the claim that "they already produce more cells than Tesla Inc. does in North America" is not supported:
In terms of number: 10,075 vs. 232,912 cells/hour.
In terms of energy: 3,727.75 vs. 6,543 kWh/hour.
In terms of EV production potential: 37.32 vs. 87.25 EVs/hour.
The discrepancy likely arises from the difference in cell sizes and production metrics. Ultium Cells use larger pouch cells (0.37 kWh each), while Tesla uses smaller cylindrical cells (0.021 kWh for 2170, 0.1 kWh for 4680), allowing Tesla to produce more cells in number but with varying energy contributions. The user's statement may reflect a misunderstanding, focusing on cell count rather than energy capacity or EV production potential, where Tesla currently leads.
Given the plants are not at full capacity (Tennessee at 32%, Ohio at 47%), their potential to surpass Tesla exists if they ramp up to full capacity (85 GWh/year vs. Tesla's current 57.25 GWh/year). However, based on current rates as of May 2025, the claim does not hold.
