Lear Corp. to Supply GM with Electrification Tech for Ultium Battery Platform

Lear Corp. in Southfield, a large automotive seating and e-systems manufacturer, announced it has been selected by Detroit’s General Motors Co. to supply key electrification technologies for the automaker’s Ultium global electric vehicle platform.
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GM's Ultium EV platform will contain components from Lear Corp in Southfield in the future. // Courtesy of General Motors Co.
GM’s Ultium EV platform will contain components from Lear Corp in Southfield in the future. // Courtesy of General Motors Co.

Lear Corp. in Southfield, a large automotive seating and e-systems manufacturer, announced it has been selected by Detroit’s General Motors Co. to supply key electrification technologies for the automaker’s Ultium global electric vehicle platform.

“We are honored to have been selected to provide technologies to support GM’s vision for a zero-emissions future,” says Ray Scott, president and CEO of Lear. “Lear’s unique electrification engineering knowledge and molding and precision stamping capabilities, combined with our strategically located manufacturing facilities, perfectly positioned Lear to win this new business, which includes the largest award to date for our connection systems business.”

The technologies Lear will provide include:

Battery Disconnect Units (BDU) — BDUs are the primary interface between the battery pack and the vehicle’s electrical system. Lear’s patent-holding and PACE Award-winning BDU has first-to-market thermal management innovations that enable vehicles to charge faster and drive farther.

Intercell Connect Boards (ICB) — ICBs are the electrical and mechanical frames that hold together multiple individual battery cells to form an integrated battery module.

Wire Harnesses — Wire harnesses provide electric voltage and distribute power safely and efficiently throughout the vehicle.

Lear states its decades of experience with electric vehicle architectures, precision metal stampings, and connection systems, along with the overmolding capabilities obtained through the 2021 acquisition of M&N Plastics, provide the expertise required to engineer and produce complex parts for the Ultium program.

“This award is a reflection of our focus on, and commitment to, using Lear’s full range of in-house capabilities to develop cutting-edge innovations to meet our customers’ needs,” says Scott.