GM and LG expand their relationship on Bolt EV; 12 components, including PEEM

GM and LG announced an expanded and deepened relationship around the coming Bolt battery-electric vehicle, with LG providing not only the battery pack and battery heater, but also the critical PEEM (power electronics and electric machine) components; the HVAC electronic climate control system compressor; telematics hardware for OnStar; and the instrument cluster and infotainment system displays.

In a media briefing, Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president – global product development, purchasing and supply chain, observed that the expanded strategic partnership with LG marked a significant new approach to the adversarial automaker-supplier relationships of the past. Further, he noted, such a new type of relationship would be essential for electric vehicles. “The Bolt EV will be the result of an entirely different PEM/supplier relationship.”

LG is supplying an expanded range of components for the coming Bolt EV. Click to enlarge.

Many of the components to be provided by LG’s nascent automotive components business are GM designed—such as the motor. LG, however, has massive experience and capabilities of scale in electric motor manufacturing, said both Reuss and Ken Chang, LG Electronics vice president – vehicle components. On the display side, LG is a clear leader in its own right. The strategic partnership leverages the capabilities of each partner toward the end goal of more rapid, high quality vehicle development and production, the assembled executives said.

Leveraging the technology found in the Chevrolet Volt and Spark EV, the Bolt EV concept was developed as a longer-range BEV for all 50 states, designed to offer more than a GM-estimated 200 miles (322 km) of range at a target price of around $30,000. The production car will be built at General Motors’ Orion Assembly facility near Detroit.

The concept Bolt features selectable driving modes for preferred driving styles, such as daily commuting, and was designed to support DC fast charging.

GM held off on discussing technical details of the Bolt components during the media briefing, saving that, said Pam Fletcher, GM executive chief engineer – electrified vehicles, for the actual reveal of the car.