American car manufacturer General Motors (GM) has selected LG Electronics as its partner in developing the next generation Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle (EV) at its Orion township, Michigan, US.
As per the partnership, LG will provide batteries and other key components for the long range electric vehicle.
Chevrolet Bolt is expected to be produced by next year. The new car can travel more than 200 miles on a single electric charge.
Under the deal, both the companies will be involved in offering first long-range, affordable EV, infotainment, battery systems and component development to the consumers.
LG supplied an new components and systems for Chevrolet Bolt EV, including electric drive motor (built from GM design), power inverter module (converts DC power to AC for the drive unit), on board charger, electric climate control system compressor, battery cells and pack, high power distribution module (manages the flow of high voltage to various components).
Besides, it provides battery heater, accessory power module (maintains low-voltage power delivery to accessories), power line communication module (manages communication between vehicle and a DC charging station), instrument cluster and infotainment system to the new car.
The concept of the car was first showcased at the North American international auto show in January this year.
GM purchasing and supply chain global product development executive vice president Mark Reuss said: "Chevrolet needs to be disruptive in order to maintain our leadership position in electrification.
"By taking the best of our in-house engineering prowess established with the Chevrolet Volt and Spark EV, and combining the experience of the LG Group, we're able to transform the concept of the industry's first long range, affordable EV into reality."
LG invested over $250m in an engineering and manufacturing facility in Incheon, Korea, to support the component development and manufacturing for Bolt EV components.
LG Electronics vehicle components president and CEO Lee Woo-jong said: "Being selected as GM's EV technology partner positions LG as a key player in next-generation vehicular technologies.
"The opportunity to work with GM on such game-changing technology is indicative of exactly the type of contributions that traditional tech companies can make in the automotive space."
Image: The concept of the car was first showcased at the North American international auto show earlier this year. Photo: courtesy of GM/LG.
