LG Chem to have 5 battery models for GM

LG Chem will have five different models of batteries to supply to General Motors starting in 2022.

The batteries will be first applied to Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC brand electric SUV and pick-up trucks, TheElec has learned.

The batteries, made by General Motors and LG Chem’s joint venture Ultium Cells, will use nickel, cobalt, manganese and aluminum (NCMA) cathode materials. The cells will be also be designed longer, or have long axis.

Depending on the car, some of the cells will be ultra long axis cells.

Cell that are longer than 500mm are considered to be long axis. Ultra long axis is designated for those over 800mm. 

By having the cells longer, it can increase energy density of batteries. These cells can provide increase of over 10% in travel distance per charge. The number of battery modules can reduced to around 10. 

General Motors’ electric vehicle platform Ultium has 12 battery modules.

Ultium supports ultra-fast charging. LG Chem is using silicon anode to prepare for this. 

Porsche Taycan also had silicon anode applied.

LG Chem plans to expand the model of batteries after 2023. The joint venture with General Motors have an annual production capacity of 30GWh. Initial capacity will be around 12.5 to 15GWh, considering there will be five battery models. 

The South Korean battery giant makes pouch batteries. One model is produced in one line, and another in another line.