General Motors Corp. (GM) has recently announced that it will team up with A123Systems Inc, one of the world's leading suppliers of high-power lithium ion batteries to develop a powerful battery pack for GM's E-Flex powertrain system.
A123Systems'patent pending Nanophosphate technology will be used for the development of this battery. GM said that this new battery package will be used in two E-Flex platforms like electric plug-in as well as fuel cell powertrain systems. With the Nanophosphate technology, lithium ion batteries can provide excellent levels of power, safer operations, and offer extended longevity, according to A123Systems.
"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. 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," commented Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman of Global Product Development.
Lutz added: "The Chevy Volt will lead the automotive industry in a new direction. We see a future where vehicles run on electricity and are equipped with clever ways of making electricity on board, making us less dependent on gasoline. It's the next great paradigm shift in our industry, an opportunity largely due to the rapid advancement in battery cell technology by companies such as A123Systems and LG Chem."
This new powerful battery technology will not only provide some advantages to the automotive industry, but in other commercial transportation industries as well. Dave Vieau, Chief Executive Officer of A123System commented: "We're talking today about the Volt and implications that it will have on the electrification of passenger vehicles, but the technology goes a lot further than that. The weight, size, safety and performance of these batteries have implications on all transportation, including hybrid buses, trucks and aircraft."
The collaboration between General Motors and A123System will expand GM's lineup of alternative fuel vehicles. In addition, this will be also added to GM's effort to reduce the country's dependence in foreign petroleum products. GM has already made the first step in providing consumers fuel efficient and alternative fuel vehicles with the company's wide range of diesel hybrid electric models as well 85 E-85 capable bio-fuel vehicles. These include the Saturn Vue and Saturn Aura Green Line hybrids, the all-new Chevy Malibu hybrid, and Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon Hybrid SUVs. Moreover, GM continues top develop other powertrain systems like fuel cell, which is featured in the Chevrolet Volt concept, and the upcoming 2-Mode hybrid Saturn Vue Green Line. Some of these vehicles could feature on its transmission line. It depends with GM if they want to.
