New Alliances & Partnerships For Advanced Energy Storage Technology
The development of the internal combustion engine did not rely on an ever changing source of fuel or energy. Sure Henry Ford designed his first prototype using peanut oil but soon abandoned it for the higher energy liquid fuel gasoline.
The electric vehicle however is very much more dependant on the development of advanced batteries or other energy storage technologies. Tesla managed to get a head start on electric vehicle battery design but all of the other car companies are making moves to catch up or exceed them. The latest to announce a strategy is General Motors together with Honda energy.
Under the hood of a 2016 Chevy Volt in-line electric gasoline hybrid – Advanced Energy Storage Technology Needed
Just recently, General Motors and Honda officially announced an agreement for new advanced chemistry battery components, including the cell and module, to accelerate both companies’ plans for all-electric vehicles.
The next-generation battery will deliver higher energy density, smaller packaging and faster charging capabilities for both companies’ future products, mainly for the North American market.
A typical electric battery made by Honda for their hybrids
Under the agreement, the companies will collaborate based on GM’s next generation battery system with the intent for Honda to source the battery modules from GM. The collaboration will support each company’s respective and distinct vehicles. The combined scale and global manufacturing efficiencies will ultimately provide greater value to customers.
“This new, multiyear agreement with Honda further demonstrates General Motors’ capability to innovate toward a profitable electric portfolio,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors Executive Vice President of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain.
GM’s decades of electrification experience and strategic EV investments, alongside Honda’s commitment to advancing mobility, will result in better solutions for our customers and progress on our zero emissions vision.
Past History In Hydrogen Fuel Cell Research.
GM and Honda already have a proven relationship around electrification, having formed the industry’s first manufacturing joint venture to produce an advanced hydrogen fuel cell system in the 2020 timeframe. The integrated development teams are working to deliver a more affordable commercial solution for fuel cell and hydrogen storage systems.
Takashi Sekiguchi, Chief Officer for Automobile Operations and Managing Officer of Honda said:
In addition to our ongoing joint development and production of fuel cells, this battery component collaboration will enable us to take a new step toward the realization of a sustainable society.
Source GM
About Gordon Smith
Gordon’s expertise in the area of industrial energy efficiency and alternative energy. He is an experienced electrical engineer with a Masters degree in Alternative Energy technology. He is the co-founder of several renewable energy media sites including Solar Thermal Magazine.
Twitter •