Ionate and GM team up on smart grid tech for Romulus plant. Ionate's Aurora platform turns each HIT into a control node, which could change how manufacturers participate in grid operations * July 24, 2026 Ionate has announced a collaboration with General Motors to deploy its hybrid intelligent transformer (HIT) technology at GM's Romulus, Michigan plant, marking the deeptech firm's entry into the US market. The Romulus facility produces 10-speed transmissions for GM's full-size trucks and SUVs, and received a US$300 million investment to expand capacity. HIT technology provides real-time monitoring of power quality and consumption at sub-millisecond resolution, detecting and resolving disturbances before they affect plant operations or the wider grid. The system integrates into existing substations at greater than 99% efficiency. In average deployments, the technology enables grids to accommodate 33% more distributed energy resources, carry 25% more power without upgrading poles and wires, and reduce wasted power by 6%. Each HIT also connects to Ionate's Aurora platform, functioning as a control node that contributes to broader grid capacity improvements. Industrial electrification, data centre growth and AI-driven power demand are placing new strains on infrastructure not designed for today's scale or complexity. Matthew Williams, founder and Chief Executive of Ionate, said the deployment marked a step towards bringing solid-state intelligence to industrial power networks. Luis Cervantes, executive director of manufacturing excellence at GM, said the technology would enhance the plant's energy management and benefit the wider grid.

IONATE, a deeptech company developing hardware and software for smart power systems, has announced a collaboration with General Motors to deploy its Hybrid Intelligent Transformer technology at GM's manufacturing plant in Romulus, Michigan. This marks IONATE's entry into the US market following projects across European grids. The technology can detect and resolve power flow issues in real time before they affect operations or the grid. It will be installed at GM's 900,000 sq ft Romulus facility, which recently received a $300 million investment to expand production capacity for 10-speed transmissions. The deployment will provide GM with real-time monitoring of power quality and consumption at sub-millisecond resolution, improving energy resiliency and efficiency. GM becomes among the first US industrial users to deploy this smart energy infrastructure.