As it continues on the road to electrification, GM announced that GM Ventures is making a $10 million investment in a Colorado-based materials science company called Forge Nano which specializes in atomic layer deposition. The new strategic partnership aims to collaborate on potential atomic layer deposition for batteries in electric vehicles.
Atomic layer deposition is the process of applying thin-film coatings to battery materials to control chemistry and structure at the atomic scale. With this new investment, Forge Nano will develop thin-film coatings for EV batteries to improve performance and lower costs. It will also build its own prototype lithium-ion battery cells at its headquarters in Thornton, Colorado.
This news comes shortly after General Motors Vice President of Battery and Pack Kurt Kelty said at the Investor Day presentation that the company’s electric trucks may start using lithium iron phosphate (LPE) batteries to lower costs.
“GM Ventures’ primary goal is to bring disruptive technology into the GM ecosystem to improve products and processes,” GM Ventures managing director Anirvan Coomer said in a statement. “Forge Nano’s Atomic Armor technology has game-changing potential for our battery materials. They have already demonstrated the ability to expand cathode capabilities, which is the most expensive battery cell component. This could unlock benefits for both customers and the business.”
“Forge Nano’s mission is to make better materials for a better world,” said Paul Lichty, CEO of Forge Nano. “General Motors’ investment will allow us to further enhance battery material performance and durability while allowing us to expand our footprint in other key areas – like semiconductors. We look forward to working closely with GM to enhance battery cell performance for future electric vehicles.”
This is the latest in a round of several investments from GM Ventures into battery technologies in recent years. In July, GM Ventures announced a $39 million investment in Israeli battery tech firm Addionics. In April 2023, it announced investments in EnergyX for lithium extraction and Nanoramic for low-cost battery tech. It’s all part of The General’s effort to get more EVs on the road and qualify for federal tax credits by establishing domestic production for battery components.
Comments
Mary is a real kamikaze pilot!
Like I’ve said, GM has an EV-obsession issue, BIG time.
They need to invest in diesels to be competitive.