General Motors has revealed its new Ultium battery tech, as well as a new flexible global platform. The modular propulsion system will power its growing electric vehicle portfolio.
Due to their large-format, pouch-style, the Ultium battery cells can be stacked vertically or horizontally inside the battery pack. This allows engineers to optimize battery energy storage and layout for each vehicle design.
Energy options range from 50-200kWh, which could enable a GM-estimated range up to 640km (400 miles) or more on a full charge with a 3 second 0-100km/h. Motors designed in-house will support front-wheel, rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive applications.
Ultium-powered EVs are designed for Level 2 and DC fast-charging. Most will have 400V battery packs and up to 200kW fast-charging capability, while the GM truck platform will have 800V battery packs and 350kW fast-charging capability.
Mary Barra, GM chairman and CEO, commented, “What we have done is build a multibrand, multisegment 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.”
