GM Starts Chevy Volt Battery Production

Strategic Insights -

General Motors (GM) has begun manufacturing advanced lithium-ion batteries for its new electric vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt. The batteries will be produced at GM's Brownstown, Michigan battery pack assembly plant, which was converted from an empty facility in just five months. The Volt's battery pack is composed of multiple linked battery modules and over 200 battery cells. GM is investing $700 million in eight Michigan facilities for Volt-related production, including $336 million in a Detroit-Hamtramck plant.

Key Takeaways:

  • GM has manufactured the first advanced lithium-ion battery for a mass-marketed electric vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt, at its Brownstown, Michigan battery pack assembly plant.
  • The Volt's battery pack is made up of multiple linked battery modules and over 200 battery cells.
  • GM invested $336 million in a Detroit-Hamtramck plant for Volt-related production.
  • The Volt is designed to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions.
  • The vehicle has an extended-range capability, with a total driving range of about 300 miles before refueling or stopping to recharge the battery.
  • GM is investing $700 million in eight Michigan facilities for Volt-related production.
  • The initial assembly area has flexible automated equipment that processes and installs prismatic-shaped cells into modules, which are then delivered to the battery pack main line.
  • The Volt is priced around $40,000, according to industry estimates.
  • GM converted the Brownstown plant from an empty facility to a production-ready battery manufacturing site in just five months.

Statistics:

  • The Chevrolet Volt's battery pack is composed of over 200 battery cells.
  • GM invested $336 million in a Detroit-Hamtramck plant for Volt-related production.
  • GM is investing $700 million in eight Michigan facilities for Volt-related production.
  • The Volt has a driving range of up to 40 miles on electricity.
  • The vehicle's total driving range is about 300 miles before refueling or stopping to recharge the battery.
  • GM converted the Brownstown plant in just five months.

Sources:

  • (FinancialWire via COMTEX), "GM Starts Chevy Volt Battery Production," January 8, 2010.
  • (FinancialWire), "Chevrolet Volt to Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show," November 16, 2008.
  • General Motors, "Chevrolet Volt," accessed January 2010.
  • Investrend Information Syndicate, "Free annual reports and company filings for companies mentioned in the news are available," accessed January 2010.