subject: Gm Teams Up With Argonne To Use New Battery Technology For Electric Cars [print this page] General Motors has signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Energys Argonne National Laboratory that will eventually help increase the range of electric batteries, while potentially cutting their costs.
Argonnes patented composite cathode material will be used by the Detroit car maker and LG Chem (who makes the Volt battery) to make advanced lithium-ion batteries for the next-generation Volt.
Use of the cathode material will yield advanced batteries that are high-performing, long-lasting and safe when compared to the existing technology that has dominated the market for nearly two decades, a statement from GM said.
This agreement gives General Motors the ability to use cutting-edge battery technology throughout its supply chain. The licensing of this technology will also spur the renewal of the American battery industry, creating hundreds of new jobs where they are needed most, said Energy Secretary Steven Chu in a statement.
Jon Lauckner, the president of GM Ventures said the technology will help improve the energy density of lithium-ion cells, making electric batteries competitive with gasoline.
The partnership will also help with the creation of more green jobs in the U.S, and will help reduce our dependence on foreign sources for our energy needs.
This is a big step for the electric battery industry, considering batteries for most electric cars are heavy and expensive. In fact, the Volts battery is estimated to cost $8,000, while the LEAFs battery costs about $12,000. Thats a little less than the price of half the car.Other Business News:
