GM: Will Build Major Lithium-Ion Battery Factory in Michigan
GM announced plans to build the first lithium-ion battery-pack manufacturing facility operated by a major auto maker in the U.S. The plant, which will be located in Michigan, is expected to begin output in 2010. Until then, the Chevy Volt’s battery pack will be supplied by a LG Chem Ltd. unit, based in Troy, Michigan.
CEO Rick Wagoner said at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, ”The design, development and production of advanced batteries must be a core competency for GM, and we’ve been rapidly building our capability and resources to support this direction.”
Additionally, GM announced that it would be opening a new automotive battery lab to further strengthen design, development and testing capabilities, as well as creating a partnership with the University of Michigan to develop a specialized curriculum for battery engineers.
While questions still surround the future of the Volt (and GM in general), these recent announcements, at least, are a good sign.
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