LG Energy Solution has announced a new partnership agreement with General Motors (GM) for prismatic battery cell technology. This marks an extension of the two companies’ 14-year battery technology partnership.
Under this new definitive agreement, the companies will jointly develop prismatic battery cell technology and affiliated chemistries. The prismatic cell technology will power future GM electric vehicles (EV).
With this, LG Energy Solution becomes the first global battery manufacturer to offer all three form factors (pouch-type, cylindrical, prismatic). It also highlights the companies’ robust partnership and the success of their Ultium Cells joint venture.
Prismatic battery cells feature a flat, rectangular shape with a rigid enclosure, which allows for space-efficient packaging within battery modules and packs. LG Energy Solution has already secured competitiveness in prismatic cells, with the experience of actual prismatic cell production and extensive patent portfolio on battery design and manufacturing technologies, including packaging. The company also aims to leverage its world-best stacking technology, as manufacturing best practices are shifting from winding to stacking in prismatic cell structures.
With its expanded product portfolio, LG Energy Solution aims to offer efficient and safe power solutions that address different needs in each EV segment, thereby supporting global mass EV adoption.
“LG Energy Solution is proud to be expanding its relationship with one of its strongest partners, GM. Together with GM, we’ve made tremendous progress already and look forward to deepening our collaboration to drive the right chemistry and battery combinations for continued growth in the EV market,” said Wonjoon Suh, Executive Vice President and Head, Advanced Automotive Battery Division, LG Electric Solution.
Said Kurt Kelty, Vice President of Battery Cell and Pack, GM, “We’re focused on optimizing our battery technology by developing the right battery chemistries and form factors to improve EV performance, enhance safety, and reduce costs.”
