Lear Corp., a global automotive technology company based in Southfield, today announced it has been selected by General Motors Co. in Detroit to exclusively supply the battery disconnect unit (BDU) on all full-size SUVs and trucks built on the automaker’s Ultium EV platform through 2030.
The BDU is the primary interface between a vehicle’s battery pack and electrical system. The Lear BDU offers thermal management innovations that enable electric vehicles to charge faster and drive farther.
Lear is working with state and local officials on a plan to open a new manufacturing facility in Michigan with an anticipated investment exceeding $80 million. The site, which will manufacture BDUs and other electrification components, is expected to generate $500 million in annual electrification sales when it reaches full production.
“Lear is developing innovative technologies that are driving the widespread adoption of electric vehicles,” says Ray Scott, president and CEO of Lear. “This additional new business with GM was made possible by Lear’s recognized value proposition in electrification that combines flexible manufacturing operations and advanced Industry 4.0 automation technologies with our vertically integrated capabilities.”
Lear’s BDU application also delivers the higher performance requirements needed to power larger electric vehicles — supporting GM’s electrification efforts in North America, where SUVs and light-duty trucks comprise most new vehicle sales.
“With our unique electrification solutions and long-standing collaborative relationship with GM, Lear is excited for the opportunity to provide technologies that will help enable a zero-emission future,” says Scott.
“As a Michigan-headquartered company, it is important to make this investment in our backyard. This facility will provide hundreds of highly skilled jobs to the state and will be our largest investment in an electrification-focused production site to date.”
