Aug 23, 2007

Chevy Volt Gets a Jolt Forward

Battery technology has been a big hurdle the Chevrolet Volt electrically powered concept car has had to jump on its way to production. Now leaping that hurdle might be one step closer. General Motors Corporation and A123Systems, Inc., a battery developer, have agreed to co-develop cells with A123System's nanophosphate battery chemistry. The goal is to provide a long-lasting, safe and powerful battery for use in GM's electric-drive E-Flex system. The agreement is expected to expedite the development of the batteries for both electric plug-in vehicles and fuel cell variants of GM's "E-Flex" electrically driven vehicle architecture.

"Breakthrough battery technology will drive future automotive propulsion, and the company that aligns with the best strategic partners will win. That's what is so important about this deal," said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman of Global Product Development. "Whether you're talking about the Chevy Volt, a fuel cell or even a plug-in hybrid such as our planned Saturn Vue, we need to understand the fundamental battery cell performance."

A123Systems is considered a front-runner in the development of nanophosphate-based battery cell technology. The company says compared to other lithium-ion battery chemistries, the nanophosphate-based batteries provide higher power output, longer life and safer operations over the life of the battery. The E-Flex electric vehicle architecture was first shown in the Chevy Volt concept car revealed earlier this year. For average commuters driving 40 miles or less per day, the Chevy Volt could use virtually no gasoline, produce zero emissions and could nearly eliminate going to the gas station altogether.

Earlier this year, GM awarded two contracts for advanced development of battery packs to Compact Power, Inc., a subsidiary of Korean battery manufacturer LG Chem, and Frankfurt, Germany-based Continental Automotive Systems, a division of Continental A.G. Under these agreements, CPI will use battery cells developed by parent company LG Chem, while Continental will use the cells being co-developed by GM and A123Systems.

"A123Systems and LG Chem are both top-tier battery suppliers, with proven technologies," said Denise Gray, director of GM's Energy Storage Devices and Strategies. "We're confident one, or possibly both of these companies' solutions will meet our battery requirements for the E-Flex system."