General
Motors Corp. and A123Systems, Inc. will co-develop
cells with A123System's nanophosphate battery chemistry for 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 the E-Flex 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.”
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 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 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.”
Earlier this year, GM awarded two contracts for advanced
development of battery packs, which require the integration of multiple
battery cells, to Compact Power, Inc., a subsidiary of Korean battery
manufacturer LG Chem, based in Troy, Mich.; and Frankfurt,
Germany-based Continental Automotive Systems, a division of Continental
A.G., a tier one automotive supplier. Under these agreements, one
contract was awarded to CPI, which will use battery cells developed by
parent company LG Chem. A separate contract was issued to Continental,
which 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.”
Dave Vieau, A123System's chief executive officer, said this
type of battery will be advantageous in other transportation industries
as well.
“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,”
Vieau said. “The weight, size, safety and performance of
these batteries have implications on all transportation, including
hybrid buses, trucks and aircraft.”
A123Systems currently manufactures over ten million cells
annually making it the world’s largest producer of batteries
with nanophosphate chemistry. Most of these cells are used in
rechargeable power tools.