TECHNOLOGY FOCUS
123Systems and GM to Co-Develop Lithium-Ion Battery Cell for Chevrolet VoltTRAVERSE CITY, MI (Aug. 9, 2007) - General Motors Corp. and A123Systems, Inc. have agreed to co-develop cells with A123System's nano-phosphate battery chemistry for a long-lasting, safe and powerful battery for use in GM's electric drive E-Flex system. "Breakthrough battery technology will drive future automotive propulsion, and the company that aligns with the best strategic partners will win'" said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman of Global Product Development. "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." 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 architecture. 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, the Chevy Volt will use zero gasoline and produce zero emissions and could nearly eliminate going to the gas station altogether. The contract calls for A123Systems, of Watertown, Mass., to develop battery cells to meet the specific requirements of GM's E-Flex system. A123Systems is considered a forerunner in the development of nanophosphate-based cell technology, which, compared to other lithium-ion battery chemistries, provides higher power output, longer life and safer operations over the life of the battery. "The Chevy Volt will lead the automotive industry in a new direction," Lutz said. "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."
(Source: A123Systems)
123Systems and GM to Co-Develop Lithium-Ion Battery Cell for Chevrolet VoltTRAVERSE CITY, MI (Aug. 9, 2007) - General Motors Corp. and A123Systems, Inc. have agreed to co-develop cells with A123System's nano-phosphate battery chemistry for a long-lasting, safe and powerful battery for use in GM's electric drive E-Flex system. "Breakthrough battery technology will drive future automotive propulsion, and the company that aligns with the best strategic partners will win'" said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman of Global Product Development. "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." 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 architecture. 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, the Chevy Volt will use zero gasoline and produce zero emissions and could nearly eliminate going to the gas station altogether. The contract calls for A123Systems, of Watertown, Mass., to develop battery cells to meet the specific requirements of GM's E-Flex system. A123Systems is considered a forerunner in the development of nanophosphate-based cell technology, which, compared to other lithium-ion battery chemistries, provides higher power output, longer life and safer operations over the life of the battery. "The Chevy Volt will lead the automotive industry in a new direction," Lutz said. "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."
(Source: A123Systems)
