General Motors has announced its partnership with lithium battery startup SolidEnergy Systems in order the boost US domestic battery production, with an emphasis on higher performance for electric vehicles.
The primary goal for this joint venture is to allow general motors to reduce the weight of their vehicles with new battery technology, which is essential for the applicability of electric vehicles.
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Initial prototype batteries have already completed 150,000 simulated test miles at GM's research and development labs based in Warren, Michigan.
The two companies plan to build an assembly line in Woburn Massachusets for these prototype batteries by 2023 and is the next major step in a partnership going back to 2015 when GM invested an undisclosed sum into the startup.
General Motors President Mark Reuss said: Affordability and range are two major barriers to mass EV adoption. With this next-generation Ultium chemistry, we believe we’re on the cusp of a once-in-a-generation improvement in energy density and cost. There’s even more room to improve in both categories, and we intend to innovate faster than any other company in this space.”
The higher battery energy density increase could enable a higher range within a similarly-sized battery pack or comparable range in a smaller pack. This could help reduce the overall weight of the vehicles, further reducing energy inefficiency.
GM executives have announced the technology being developed with SES will be used in future Ultium-based vehicles, the first of which is set to go on sale this Autumn.
The company currently plans to launch 30 new EV brands by the end of 2025, with more than two-thirds set to be available in North America.
Cadillac, GMC, Chevrolet and Buick will all be represented, with EVs at all price points for work, adventure, performance and family use.
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In January 2021, GM unveiled BrightDrop, a new business that aims to electrify and improve the delivery of goods and services by offering an ecosystem of electric first-to-last-mile products, software and services to help empower delivery and logistics companies to move goods more efficiently.
GM is also set to begin pushing its technology towards net-zero goals powered by its new Ultium fuel cells, which were made public in 2019.
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