The project is aimed at benefiting GM’s core vehicle electrification competencies, which include lithium ion batteries, electric motors, power controls and charging. It will provide real-world data on customer acceptance of battery electric vehicles, studying driving patterns and charging behavior while sharing costs and resources.
This is a key initiative in GM’s global battery and electric vehicle development strategy. The demo project is expected to begin by the end of October. GM demonstration fleets with other partners are also being tested in other urban markets later this year.
The Cruze EV demo fleet will be the first compact sedan electric vehicles to hit the road and will be powered by batteries from LG Chem and propulsion systems (motor/inverter) from LG Electronics. GM’s EV demo fleet in South Korea will consist of Chevrolet Cruzes and GM Daewoo Lacetti Premieres. GM currently markets the vehicle under the local brand in South Korea.
“This Cruze EV demonstration project reinforces GM’s commitment to being a leader in the development of electric vehicles and green technologies, building on our portfolio of hybrids and the Chevrolet Volt,” said Karl Stracke, vice president, GM Global Vehicle Engineering. ”We’ll apply the learnings from this and our other demo projects to help us deliver the world’s best vehicles for our customers.”
The Cruze EV is equipped with an LG Chem 31-kWh battery that delivers a maximum power of 150 kW. Analysis and early testing done by GM and LG Chemical indicate the demonstration vehicles may achieve a range of up to 160 km (100 miles) on specific test schedules. The demonstration fleet will be monitored closely to determine the amount of real-world range achievable by a vehicle of its size. The vehicles can go from 0 to 100 km/h (60 miles per hour) in 8.2 seconds with a maximum speed of 165 km/h (102.5 miles per hour).
On a standard household 220-volt outlet, the Cruze EV can be fully recharged in eight to 10 hours. Part of the demonstration fleet’s task is to test a “quick charge” application that could reduce the charge time significantly.
“Although there is much more work to be done, our ability to develop this vehicle in less than a year offers a peek at the very promising plans we have for our customers in Korea and around the world,” said Mike Arcamone, GM Daewoo President and CEO.
While battery packs often occupy trunk space, the Cruze EV’s lithium ion batteries pack is mounted on the underbody. This gives the Cruze electric car the same trunk space as conventional vehicles with gasoline engines.
“Expanding the domestic electric vehicle market carries significant meaning for collaboration between GM Daewoo and LG Chemical,” said Peter Bahnsuk Kim, Vice Chairman and CEO of LG Chemical. “Over the past two years, we have forged a strong partnership with GM, and now we look forward to doing the same with GM Daewoo in our home country.”
Since 2008, GM has been working with LG Chemical, which is the exclusive supplier of battery cells for the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range. The Volt enters the U.S. market later this year. The development of the Chevrolet Cruze EV demo fleet will expand this collaboration.
General Motors, one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 208,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 120 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 31 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, FAW, GMC, Daewoo, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling.
GM’s largest national market is China, followed by the United States, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation.
