Korean battery maker LG Energy Solution (LGES) said Tuesday it has  signed a deal with General Motors to develop prismatic battery cells. Under the agreement, the companies will jointly develop prismatic battery  cell technology and affiliated battery materials or "chemistries." Once  developed, the prismatic battery cells will power GM's future electric  vehicles (EVs), LGES said in a statement. Prismatic battery cells feature a flat, rectangular shape with a rigid  enclosure, which allows for space-efficient packaging within battery modules  and packs. They could lower EV costs and weight. Their development will mark a significant milestone for LGES, as it will  become the world's first battery manufacturer to offer all three form factors  -- pouch-type, cylindrical and prismatic cells, it said. "Together with GM, we look forward to deepening our collaboration to drive  the right chemistry and battery combinations for continued growth in the  EV market," Suh Won-joon, executive vice president and head of LGES'  advanced automotive battery division, said in the statement. LGES has maintained a 14-year battery technology partnership with the  Detroit carmaker. Under the joint venture with GM, LGES currently operates a battery cell  plant in Ohio and another in Tennessee, with the third one set to begin  operations in Michigan next year. "We are focused on optimizing our battery technology by developing the  right battery chemistries and form factors to improve EV performance,  enhance safety and reduce costs, said Kurt Kelty, GM's vice president of  battery cell and pack. "By extending our partnership with LGES, we are  taking an important step toward these goals." LGES said it will work to offer "efficient and safe power solutions" with its  expanded product portfolio that addresses different needs in each EV  segment, thereby supporting global mass EV adoption. (ICE SEOUL)

Fonte notizia: The Korea Times