General Motors and LG Group announced yesterday they will design and engineer future electric vehicles, expanding a relationship built on LG’s work as the battery cell supplier for the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera extended-range EVs.
Following the agreement, GM will expand the number and types of electric vehicles it makes and sells with help of LG’s proven expertise in batteries and other systems. For LG, the arrangement is an opportunity to widen its portfolio as an automotive solution provider.
«Many solutions for tomorrow’s transportation needs may be available more quickly by building on our partnership strategy,» said GM Vice Chairman Steve Girsky. «Consumers benefit by getting the latest fuel-saving technology faster if we work with the best suppliers and we save time and money in the development process.»
The propulsion systems in the Volt (the best electric car on the market 2011 selected by readers, according to TreeHugger) and Ampera were extremely successful, which led to exploring other collaborations in the electrification of the automobile. Teams of LG and GM engineers will develop not only key components but also vehicle structures and architectures. Vehicles resulting from the partnership will be sold in many countries.
Last year it was a demonstration fleet of Chevrolet Cruze electric vehicles that launched the relationship between GM and LG delivering the cells for the battery pack of the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera. Chevrolet Cruze electric vehicles were used as official vehicles of the G20 summit in Seoul are now in the phase of market-testing to learn more about capabilities and requirements.
With announcement of fuel consumption regulations around the world, enhancing the growth of automobile sustainable technology is very important. The same goal has the U.S. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) aiming to produce a fleet of vehicles that averages 54.5 miles a gallon by 2025. To reach the goal CAFE tasked Toyota and Ford to develop new hybrids.
Timing of the launch of the first GM-LG vehicles will be announced closer to market readiness.