GM's range-extended electrical drive system is called E-Flex--an umbrella technology enabling a wide range of future electric vehicle applications, including hydrogen fuel cells which GM believes might be closer than we think.
"We have a strategy to reduce the need for petroleum" said Nick Zielinsky, the chief engineer of advanced vehicles development for the E-Flex system. But to enable all of this, they would need a very special battery to meet the specific needs of the E-Flex system.
Enter A123 systems--a company considered a forerunner in the development of nanophosphate-based cell technology, or NCT. Compared to other lithium-ion battery chemistries, NCT provides higher power output, longer life and safer operations over the life of the battery.
Earlier this year, General Motors awarded contracts for development of battery packs which require the integration of multiple battery cells. One contract was awarded to Compact Power, Inc, based in Troy, Michigan. The second was given to Frankfurt based Continental Automotive Systems--a tier-one automotive supplier. A separate contract was drafted with Continental, who will in turn use the cells being co-developed by GM and A123 Systems.
"A123 Systems 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."
photo:General Motors
"We have a strategy to reduce the need for petroleum" said Nick Zielinsky, the chief engineer of advanced vehicles development for the E-Flex system. But to enable all of this, they would need a very special battery to meet the specific needs of the E-Flex system.
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Enter A123 systems--a company considered a forerunner in the development of nanophosphate-based cell technology, or NCT. Compared to other lithium-ion battery chemistries, NCT provides higher power output, longer life and safer operations over the life of the battery.
Earlier this year, General Motors awarded contracts for development of battery packs which require the integration of multiple battery cells. One contract was awarded to Compact Power, Inc, based in Troy, Michigan. The second was given to Frankfurt based Continental Automotive Systems--a tier-one automotive supplier. A separate contract was drafted with Continental, who will in turn use the cells being co-developed by GM and A123 Systems.
"A123 Systems 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."
photo:General Motors