BREAKING- GM To Manufacture Its Own Electric Motors
GM announced that they will be the first U.S. auto manufacture to build its own electric motors in house. This will lead to the next generation rear wheel drive 2 mode hybrid system. That should be hitting the market sometime around 2013. GM says they realize that we need to lessen our dependence on petroleum and that they have a wide array of alternative energy solutions in mind. Those solutions include-
- Mild Hybrids- GM hybrid system
- Full Hybrids- 2 Mode hybrid system
- Plug-In Hybrids (PHEV)- Modified 2 mode hybrid system
- Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (EREV)- Voltec system
- Battery Electric
- Fuel Cell
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) was recently shown on the Cadillac XTS Concept vehicle at NAIAS (Detroit Auto Show). This system is scheduled to hopefully debut on the production XTS in 2013.
GM says they plan to invest a total of $246 million in electric motors and electric drive facilities. $2 million will be spent in Pontiac, MI for the electromagnetic computational facilities while $26 million will be spent for the development and validation dynamometer facilities. Indianapolis will be receiving $10 million for development and validation dynamometer facilities. Torrence, CA will receive $6 million for characterization and development dynamometer facilities. Another yet to be disclosed U.S. location will receive money for a high volume electric motor manufacturing facility.
GM says that since 2003 they have “quietly” been testing, designing, and validating their capabilities in house to develop and produce the electric motors themselves. Using suppliers means relying on someone else. They like the mantra “If you want it done right, do it yourself.” Personally I am a huge fan of this saying. Also mentioned was the fact that they will work with “their best suppliers” to produce the best product possible.
Click read more for the full press release after the break.
