General Motors has just made one more commitment to the electrification of its future vehicle lines by expanding its current involvement with lithium-ion battery specialist, A123 Systems Inc, to supply the automaker with next-generation Nanophosphate cells and completed packs as well as fully integrated electronic components. These will be used in several unnamed GM models that will be sold "in select global markets" starting sometime after 2012.
Micky Bly, GM's executive director - Global Electrical Systems, Infotainment and Electrification, commented on the deal noting: "We work with a variety of battery developers and A123's advanced Nanophosphate lithium ion technology offers ideal performance capabilities for a future electrified vehicle application."
"Today's announcement is the latest milestone in the partnership between GM and A123, and it showcases the type of collaboration between U.S. companies necessary to build a long-term domestic battery and electric vehicle industry," said Jason Forcier, vice president of the Automotive Solutions Group at A123 Systems.
Teams from both GM and A123 are now at work developing operational algorithms and software controls for these new systems. While no specific quantity figures were mentioned, it's expected the number will be well into five figures. All of the packs and associated component elements will be made at the A123 Systems facility in Livonia, Michigan.
SOURCE: www.kbb.com