August 10, 2007 – Vol.12 No.20

A123Systems and GM to Co-Develop Lithium-Ion Battery Cell for Chevrolet Volt.

Companies will co-develop cells with A123System's nanophosphate battery chemistry for a long-lasting, safe and powerful battery for use in GM’s electric drive E-Flex system to be used in plug-in hybrid electric or fuel cell variants of the Chevy Volt, now in development.

For average commuters driving 40 miles, the Chevy Volt will use zero gasoline and produce zero emissions and could nearly eliminate going to the gas station altogether.

"Breakthrough battery technology will drive future automotive propulsion, and the company that aligns with the best strategic partners will win. That’s what is so important about this deal,” said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman of Global Product Development. “Whether you’re talking about the Chevy Volt, a fuel cell or even a plug-in hybrid such as our planned Saturn Vue, we need to understand the fundamental battery cell performance.”

The co-development of this battery technology is the latest step in GM’s efforts to diversify the transportation away from petroleum with a range of alternatives.

Earlier this year, GM awarded two contracts for advanced development of battery packs, which require the integration of multiple battery cells, to Compact Power, Inc., a subsidiary of Korean battery manufacturer LG Chem, based in Troy, Mich.; and Frankfurt, Germany-based Continental Automotive Systems, a division of Continental A.G., a tier one automotive supplier. Under these agreements, one contract was awarded to CPI, which will use battery cells developed by parent company LG Chem. A separate contract was issued to Continental, which will use the cells being co-developed by GM and A123Systems.

A123Systems currently manufactures over ten million cells annually making it the world’s largest producer of batteries with nanophosphate chemistry. Most of these cells are used in rechargeable power tools.(8/10/07)

Links:

A123Systems http://www.a123systems.com

General Motors Corp. http://www.gm.com

Disclaimer, Forward-Looking or Safe Harbor Statement on original press release: Yes

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