New Battery Chemistry Blend Cut Costs – Individual cells are the key building blocks of any battery pack and that is true with Ultium. However, they are far from the only important element here. The cathode chemistry will be a unique proprietary mixture conjured up by GM and its partner LG Chem. Like many EVs, the Chevrolet Bolt uses cells with a blend of nickel, manganese, and cobalt (NMC). Cobalt is a particularly problematic ingredient because much of it is mined in Central Africa in terrible working conditions.
Every automaker and cell supplier, including GM, is working to develop chemistries with little or no cobalt; GM also aims to eliminate nickel. The Ultium cells have 70% less cobalt content than those in the Bolt, instead aluminum has been added to the NMC mixture. These batteries are known as nickel, manganese, cobalt, and aluminum (NMCA). This has helped to cut the cell cost from $145/kWh to under $100/kWh and also improve the energy density. GM also showed off a sample of a development cell with lithium metal anode in place of graphite, but this is still some years away from production. The NMCA cells will eventually be produced at the $2.6 billion JV plant under construction by GM and LG Chem in Lordstown, Ohio.
Thanks, Long Branch Mike, for such an informative blog. I am a shop keeper of batteries and have much knowledge about cells. But I got some new experience through this blog. Thanks again.
JOHN EMMONS