eVehicle TechnologyGeneral Motors (GM) has revealed details of their strategy to grow the companies EV Portfolio, and at the heart of the strategy is a modular propulsion system and a highly flexible, third-generation global EV platform powered by proprietary Ultium batteries. This will allow the company to compete for nearly every customer in the market today, whether they are looking for affordable transportation, a luxury experience, work trucks or a high-performance machine.
“Our team accepted the challenge to transform product development at GM and position our company for an all-electric future,” said Mary Barra, GM chairman and CEO. “What we have done is build a multi-brand, multi-segment EV strategy with economies of scale that rival our full-size truck business with much less complexity and even more flexibility.”
“Thousands of GM scientists, engineers and designers are working to execute an historic reinvention of the company,” said GM President Mark Reuss. “They are on the cusp of delivering a profitable EV business that can satisfy millions of customers.”
GM’s new Ultium batteries are unique in the industry because the large-format, pouch-style cells can be stacked vertically or horizontally inside the battery pack allowing engineers to optimise battery energy storage and layout for each vehicle design. Ultium energy options range from 50 to 200 kWh, this could allow an estimated range of up to 400 miles or more on a full range with a potential to accelerate 0 to 60 mph in around 3 seconds.
Ultium-powered EVs are designed for Level 2 and DC fast charging. Most will have 400-volt battery packs and up to 200 kW fast-charging capability while our truck platform will have 800-volt battery packs and 350 kW fast-charging capability.
GM’s flexible, modular approach to EV development will drive significant economies of scale and create new revenue opportunities, including:
- Continuous Improvement in Battery Costs
- Flexibility
- Capital Efficiency
- Complexity Reduction
- Rising Customer Acceptance
- New Sources of Revenue
The first generation of GM’s future EV program will be profitable. The initial programs will pave the way for further accretive growth. GM’s technology can be scaled to meet customer demand much higher than the more than 1 million global sales the company expects mid-decade.
