The automaker relied heavily on its supplier partner to help achieve the Bolt’s primary goals of affordability and an all-electric driving range of more than 200 miles on a single charge.
LG has been tasked with supplying the battery cells and pack, electric drive motor, power inverter module, on-board charging equipment, power-distribution hardware, climate-control compressor, battery heater, accessory power module and infotainment electronics, among other components.
“By taking the best of our in-house engineering prowess established with the Chevrolet Volt and Spark EV, and combining the experience of the LG Group, we’re able to transform the concept of the industry’s first long range, affordable EV into reality,” said GM development head Mark Reuss.
The company suggests it typically waits until later in the development process to bring in supplier partners, however involving LG early in the Bolt project was viewed as a way to keep Chevrolet “disruptive” and establish a leadership position in the industry’s electrification transition.
LG Electronics is said to have invested more than $250 million for a new Korean engineering and manufacturing facility to support the Bolt. Components will eventually be shipped to GM’s Orion Township factory, where Bolt production is scheduled to begin by late 2016.
Live images by Brian Williams.
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