GM and SolidEnergy Systems Partner to Advance Battery Technology

Five years ago, General Motors’ venture capital arm made a strategic investment in battery technology startup, SolidEnergy Systems. Currently, GM is leveraging the expertise of this MIT spinout to enhance the energy capacity of its batteries. This collaboration represents the latest in a series of initiatives undertaken by the automaker to expedite its transition towards electric vehicles.

Boosting EV Adoption Through Enhanced Energy Density

The partnership, revealed by GM president Mark Reuss during a Washington Post Live conference on Thursday, centers on improving the energy density of lithium-ion batteries. The objective is to facilitate wider consumer acceptance of electric vehicles. A key component of this agreement involves the establishment of a prototyping facility in Woburn, Massachusetts. The goal is to produce a high-capacity, pre-production battery unit by the year 2023.

SolidEnergy’s Innovative Battery Design

SolidEnergy Systems, often referred to as SES, has pioneered an “anode-free” lithium metal battery design, which contributes to extended battery lifespan. According to information released by MIT, advancements in SES’s battery materials result in a doubling of energy density. Importantly, this is achieved while maintaining a safety profile comparable to that of the lithium-ion batteries currently utilized in smartphones, EVs, wearable technology, drones, and various other devices.

A reduction in battery weight and size, facilitated by this technology, could lead to lighter vehicles or increased space for integrating additional technological features.

Gaining a Competitive Advantage

This technology, when combined with GM’s existing intellectual property, has the potential to provide the automaker with a significant competitive advantage. A recent report by Cairn Energy Research Advisors identifies Tesla as currently possessing the most affordable lithium battery cells and EV battery packs.

Leveraging Existing and Future IP

“GM currently holds a substantial portfolio of critical intellectual property related to lithium metal batteries, with 49 patents already granted and an additional 45 applications pending,” stated GM spokesperson Philip Leinert. “Our collaborative efforts with SES regarding lithium battery prototypes will serve to accelerate this ongoing development work.”

Ambitious EV Goals

GM has set forth ambitious plans for the future of electric vehicles. The company intends to introduce 30 new EV models on a global scale by 2025. Furthermore, GM’s stated goal is to exclusively sell electric vehicles by the year 2035.

The Ultium Platform: A Foundation for EV Expansion

GM’s recent announcement follows the unveiling of its Ultium battery platform one year prior. This platform encompasses the batteries themselves, as well as the cells, modules, drive units, and power electronics that form the core of GM’s EV strategy.

The Ultium platform will underpin a diverse range of EVs across GM’s brands, including Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC. It will also be utilized in the Cruise Origin autonomous shuttle, which was first presented in January 2020. The all-electric GMC Hummer, slated for production later this year, will be the first vehicle to incorporate the first-generation Ultium batteries.

Next-Generation Ultium Batteries: Performance and Cost Reduction

Reuss also highlighted advancements being made with GM’s next generation of Ultium batteries. While specific details were not disclosed, GM aims to enhance performance while simultaneously reducing production costs. The company’s objective is to double energy density and decrease battery costs by 60% by the mid-2020s. The partnership with SES is anticipated to play a crucial role in achieving these targets.

Addressing Key Barriers to EV Adoption

“Affordability and range represent significant obstacles to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles,” Reuss explained. “We believe that the next-generation Ultium chemistry positions us on the verge of a transformative improvement in both energy density and cost. Further improvements are possible, and we are committed to innovating at a faster pace than any other company in this sector.”

Expanding Battery Development Efforts

This collaboration with SES is not GM’s sole investment in battery development. In 2010, the company invested $3.2 million in solid-state battery company Sakti3. Currently, GM is also exploring the possibility of constructing a second large-scale battery manufacturing facility within the United States.

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