GM selected Lear Corporation, a global automotive supplier that specializes in seating and electrical systems, to supply electrification technologies to the Detroit-based automaker, specifically for its Ultium battery platform.
Lear’s partnership with GM will provide three specific technologies for the automaker’s Ultium tech. The first will be Battery Disconnect Units (BDU), which serve as the primary interface between the vehicle’s battery pack and the rest of its electrical system. Lear’s thermal management technology will help electric vehicles charge faster and extend the driving range from a single charge.
Lear will also supply Intercell Connect Boards (ICB), which are electrical and mechanical frames that hold multiple Ultium battery cells together to form an integrated battery module. Finally, Lear will supply wire harnesses that provide proper voltage and safely distribute power throughout an Ultium-equipped vehicle.
“We are honored to have been selected to provide technologies to support GM’s vision for a zero-emissions future,” said Ray Scott, Lear President and Chief Executive Officer. “Lear’s unique electrification engineering knowledge and molding and precision stamping capabilities, combined with our strategically located manufacturing facilities, perfectly positioned Lear to win this new business, which includes the largest award to date for our Connection Systems business.”
Lear’s expertise will be particularly useful as GM’s production of electric vehicles and related components ramps up. GM has began assembly of Ultium batteries at its commenced at its Ultium Cells plant in Ohio on September 1st. The milestone is important, since it’s the first battery cell production facility in the U.S. operated by the joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution. The Ultium Cells plant in Lansing, Michigan will soon join the Ohio-based plant in active battery cell production, as construction of the facility is well underway.
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Comments
Hahahaha! I suspected this was happening due to all the delays lately at GM..
One would think they would have ironed out a few suppliers for HIGH TECH items (like wires – haha) before actually trying to build anything..
Think of the Production Floor Manager’s Troubles..
“Holy Smoke !!!! You mean we need some wiring ? I thought they told me in the advertising that everything is WIRELESS now?”.
This, from a trade partner that can’t reliably supply seat heaters ? You guys deserve each other.
Wow, aren’t they already backlogged with GM work they can’t handle?
I thought Biden said GM was leading the way in electrification, now we find out they don’t even have all their suppliers ironed out, and probably the technology not figured out. Mary is going to put them out of business