As part of its new electric vehicle strategy, General Motors presented a new platform with a large capacity battery. The Ultium should allow a range of more than 400 miles (644 km) in one charge. All future zero emission vehicles of the group will employ this platform
General Motors ( GM ) has unveiled a new platform combining a powertrain and a high-capacity battery, for future vehicles that can exceed 400 miles (644 km) of range on a single charge. Called Ultium, the technology was presented on March 4 at a conference. It is the third generation platform for electric vehicles developed by the American group.
This modular platform will be capable of 19 different battery and drive unit configurations, the batteries being placed horizontally (in the floor) or vertically according to the needs of the different brands of the group. The capacity of the Ultium will vary from 50 to 200 kWh, which could allow a range estimated by GM to 400 miles (644 km) or more at full load with an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 100 km) in only 3 seconds.
Battery powered vehicles will support fast charging up to 200 kW. The charging rate on the pick-up trucks can go up to 350 kW. All can be offered in front, rear or all-wheel drive.
General Motor has also announced that it will partner with LG Chem to “lower the cost of batteries below $100 / kWh”, in particular thanks to cells with low cobalt content. To reduce costs, the group also wants to adapt its current production chain to electric, rather than setting up a new one. All the same, 20 billion dollars must be invested over the next five years, notably in the new battery manufacturing plant in Lordstown (Ohio).
GM expects to double the number of electric vehicles sold in the United States between 2025 and 2030, to reach 3 million units in 2030. The group expects to achieve profitability from the new generation of vehicles.
General Motors’ four brands, Chevrolet , Cadillac, GMC and Buick, are all planning to launch an electric vehicle. For example, a new version of the Chevrolet Bolt will land at the dealerships by the end of 2020. The iconic Hummer from GMC will also be available in a zero emission version. The official announcement is scheduled for May 20.
