General Motors CEO Mary Barra has worked to reposition the company for an electrified future, charging the research and development teams with creating the hardware and software to make it happen. This week the company announced that they have successfully developed a new flexible platform and batteries to move that proposed future closer to reality.
“Our team accepted the challenge to transform product development at GM and position our company for an all-electric future,” said Mary Barra, GM chairman and CEO. “What we have done is build a multi-brand, multi-segment EV strategy with economies of scale that rival our full-size truck business with much less complexity and even more flexibility.”
The new platform will be used across the globe.
Photo courtesy of General Motors
The new Ultium batteries feature large-format, pouch-style cells that can be stacked vertically or horizontally inside the battery pack. This arrangement option allows engineers to stack the cells in a way that makes sense for the vehicle and customer, on a global scale.
The energy options for the batteries range from 50 to 200 kWh, which can result in a GM-estimated range of up to 400 miles on a full charge. The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt, the automaker’s only electric vehicle currently sold in the U.S., has a 259-mile all-electric range.
Electric vehicles that are propelled by the batteries are designed for Level 2 and DC fast charging.
The batteries in the truck platform will consist of 800-volt battery packs and 350 kWh fast-charging capability. This is a nod to what we can expect for the forthcoming GMC Hummer EV, which will be unveiled in May.
Currently, General Motors offers about 550 internal combustion powertrain combinations. The plan is to roll out 19 different battery and drive unit confirmations.
Third-party forecasters expect GM to sell 3 million EVs on average between 2025 and 2030.
GM has designed motors to pair with the batteries that support front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive applications.
The battery cells can be arranged vertically or horizontally.
Photo courtesy of General Motors
“Thousands of GM scientists, engineers and designers are working to execute an historic reinvention of the company,” said GM President Mark Reuss. “They are on the cusp of delivering a profitable EV business that can satisfy millions of customers.”
Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC and Buick will all be launching new EVs starting this year. The next new Chevrolet EV will be a new version of the Bolt EV, launching in late 2020, followed by the 2022 Bolt EUV, launching Summer 2021. The Bolt EUV will be the first vehicle outside of the Cadillac brand to feature Super Cruise, the industry’s first true hands-free driving technology for the highway, which GM will expand to 22 vehicles by 2023, including 10 by next year.
The Cruise Origin will be the first model to use GM’s third generation EV platform and Ultium batteries. Next will be the Cadillac Lyriq luxury SUV in April.
