REPORT: GM to build its own electric motors, control systems
Chevy Volt battery pack - Click above for high-res image gallery
Sure, General Motors has outsourced production of the individual battery cells to LG Chem, but the American automaker isn't willing to give up much control over the Volt's extended-range EV powertrain. According to a report on Automotive News (sub. req'd), GM plans to focus in on three EV technologies it sees as core to its future business: batteries, the control systems for its electric and hybrid powertrains, and the electric motor. Says GM product development chief Tom Stephens:
GM will take the cells from LG Chem and will assemble them itself into packs capable of fitting inside its vehicle platforms. The complicated control systems and software for its hybrids is already developed in-house and GM soon plans to build its own electric motors. The first usage of these GM-built motors will reportedly be in the next-gen 2-Mode Hybrid systems used in the automaker's fullsize trucks and SUVs.We've taken all three of these and said these are core technologies for General Motors. We've brought them inside and said we are going to have people dedicated to learning more about these three components.
Gallery: Opening of the new GM Battery Lab
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rain 5:27PM (8/12/2009)
This is good news for the good folks at Delphi.
Reply
Dave 8:32PM (8/12/2009)
"The first usage of these GM-built motors will reportedly be in the next-gen 2-Mode Hybrid systems used in the automaker's fullsize trucks and SUVs."
It'll be interesting to see if GM can bring the cost of the two mode down. Apparently, Mercedes and BMW don't think it can be done.
Reply
john 1:16AM (8/13/2009)
While I appreciate that GM will be creating new jobs here in the U.S., I'm a bit apprehensive of their experience building complex electronic systems. An electric drive train requires high reliability and complex power electronics - I'd be more comfortable with those components outsourced to Germany, Japan, or Korea.
Reply
Ray 1:45AM (8/13/2009)
It's all about the research. They certainly have taken enough time to do research development on the Volt so I would think they would have a pretty good handle on it.
They will have even more time to apply it to SUV and trucks coming up.
Look at all the research and development they put into the EV1. I did not recall reading that they outsourced many components there. Their original battery pack for the EV1 was Delco I think. Later they switched to that inventor Oshinsky and his company Avionics that produce the nickel metal hydride batteries, or something like that.
Stan Peterson 12:13PM (8/13/2009)
Once again GM affirms, indirectly, that the Generation II 2-mode hybrid is an on going project. Back when GM first announced the 2-mode hybrid drive, they said that they were working on a second generation design. It would be lighter and appear in both RWD and FWD versions, and more appropriate for smaller vehicles like cars.
We have seen the Generation I, 2-mode assigned to very heavy BoF trucks and large SUVs, and it has been announced in FWD for the Buick CUV PHEV. While the absolute mileages produced were not startling, the increase for these 2-3 ton vehicles was remarkably improved, to where it is 40% better than the most fuel efficient car the tiny VW Beetle was in 1973, with its then awesome 16 mpg on a much easier measuring standard. Using today's measuring standard that VW Beetle probably would achieve only a 11 or 12 mpg rating.
Many have criticized GM for not specifying its use with say the EcoTec I-4 in the Buick CUV PHEV. Many have asked why it hasn't shown up in cars.
The answer is that the second generation 2-mode is more appropriate for that job, from a torque and weight standpoint, and I am sure GM will produce such a drive train. Unlike the VOLT-age architecture where GM is challenged to "up-size" the technology, the 2 mode hybrid design has had to be "downsized" from the original technology developed for commercial Buses. Generation II of the 2- mode hybrid brings it further down the scale and appropriate for large autos and small CUVs
The German use of it in their exorbitant weighty, ridiculous, high-performance streetable race-cars and fossil guzzlers, is just pure overkill, that their pricing allows them to do.
Reply