Detroit’s WWMT.com reported that GM has manufactured an advanced lithium-ion battery for its electric vehicle, the Chevy Volt.

The Volt is designed to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing emissions. When Volt’s lithium-ion battery is depleted of energy, a flex-fuel engine-generator operates to extend total driving range to about 300 miles before refueling or stopping to recharge the battery.

The Volt’s battery pack is made up of multiple linked battery modules and around 200 battery cells. The initial assembly area is where cells are processed and installed by automated equipment into modules and delivered to battery pack main line area. It features an “automated guided cart” system including operations for thermal and electrical assembly, along with quality and dimensional checks.

Ed Whitacre, chairman and CEO of GM, said, “The development of electric vehicles like the Chevy Volt is creating entire new sectors in the auto industry an ‘ecosystem’ of battery developers and recyclers, builders of home and commercial charging stations, electric motor suppliers and much more. These companies and universities are creating new jobs in Michigan and across the US, green jobs and they’re doing it by developing new technology, establishing new manufacturing capability, and strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness.”


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