For GM, Battery Assembly Will Be Handled In House

For General Motors, one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, one of the most significant technologies that will help shape the company's future are lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are the centerpiece of its Chevrolet Volt design, an electric car that will run on pure grid energy for forty miles before a gas powered engine kicks in to extend its range.

To bring the lithium-ion battery pack to life, GM will be opening a manufacturing facility which will produce the Volt's battery pack system. That pack will consist of lithium-ion cells that are grouped into modules, along with other key battery components. The plant will be located in Michigan with production on the facility set to begin this year in time for next year's release of the Chevrolet Volt.

"The design, development and production of advanced batteries must be a core competency for GM, and we've been rapidly building our capability and resources to support this direction," Wagoner said. "This is a further demonstration of our commitment to the electrification of the automobile and to the Chevrolet Volt - a commitment that now totals more than $1 billion."

GM has chosen LG Chem. Compact Power Inc., a subsidiary of LG Chem based in Troy, Mich., to supply the battery packs for Volt prototype vehicles until GM's battery facility is operational. A joint engineering contract with Compact Power and LG Chem was also signed to further expedite the development of the Volt's lithium-ion battery technology.

"Our selection of LG Chem was based on performance, production readiness, efficiency, durability and LG Chem's demonstrated track record of exceptional quality," Wagoner said. "At GM, we believe the technical strengths of LG Chem, combined with our own engineering and manufacturing expertise, will help position us as a key player in the development of electrically driven vehicles today and in the future."

Test mule cars utilizing the previous generation Chevrolet Malibu have been put to the paces over this past summer, outfitted with lithium-ion batteries much like the ones GM says will power the Volt. The company’s goal has been to have the Volt travel 40 miles between charges with a small three cylinder engine available to extend that range as needed. Owners will be able to recharge their Volts in a standard household outlet overnight.