General Motors Co. in Detroit and LG Energy Solution in South Korea are extending their 14-year battery technology partnership to include prismatic cell development.
GM expects the prismatic cell technology developed under the agreement to power future GM electric vehicles, as part of the company’s strategy to diversify its supply chain by leveraging multiple chemistries and form factors.
GM will continue to leverage the Ultium Cells plants in Warren, Ohio, and Spring Hill, Tenn., which produce pouch battery cells, to meet growing demand for its electric vehicles.
Prismatic cells feature a flat, rectangular shape with a rigid enclosure, which allows for space-efficient packaging within battery modules and packs. The approach can reduce EV weight and cost, while simplifying manufacturing by reducing the number of modules and mechanical components.
LG Energy Solution has both experience with prismatic cell production and an extensive patent portfolio on battery design and manufacturing technologies, including packaging.
GM states it is embracing a technology agnostic approach to battery cells, to optimize for range, performance, and charging speed, improving the experience for every EV driver.
“Together with LG Energy Solution, we’ve built Ultium Cells into one of the largest battery cell manufacturers in North America, creating thousands of advanced technology jobs in the U.S. and powering our diverse EV portfolio,” says Kurt Kelty, vice president of battery cell and pack at GM.
“We’re focused on optimizing our battery technology by developing the right battery chemistries and form factors to improve EV performance, enhance safety, and reduce costs. By extending our partnership with LG Energy Solution, we’re taking an important step toward these goals.”
Ultium Cells has created thousands of jobs in the U.S. in Ohio and Tennessee. The battery cells produced at these plants power GM’s latest EVs, including the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, Cadillac LYRIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, and Chevrolet Equinox EV, as well as the GMC HUMMER EV Pickup and SUV.
“LG Energy Solution is proud to be expanding its relationship with one of its strongest partners. Together with GM, we’ve already made tremendous progress,” says Wonjoon Suh, executive vice president and head of the advanced automotive battery division at LG Energy Solution. “We look forward to deepening our collaboration to drive the right chemistry and battery combinations for continued growth in the EV market.”
For more information, visit GM.com.
