Pentagon to use GM for EV batteries

GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors, was selected by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to develop a prototype battery pack for testing and analysis on a DoD platform. GM Defense will utilize GM’s state-of-the-art battery technology, the Ultium platform, to meet DIU requirements for a scalable design that can be used in tactical military vehicles. DIU is an organization of the U.S. Department of Defense dedicated to accelerating the U.S. military’s adoption of commercial technology, consistent with GM Defense’s mission to bring GM’s advanced technologies to defense and government customers around the world.

“This award is a key enabler for non-traditional defense companies such as GM Defense to deliver commercial technology to support our customers’ transition to a more electric, autonomous and connected future,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “Commercial battery-electric technology continues to mature. GM Defense offers a unique advantage in our ability to leverage proven commercial capabilities and GM’s multi-billion investments in electric and autonomous vehicle technology to help our customers.” Provides the most advanced capabilities the commercial market has to offer.”

GM’s Ultium platform is a combined electric vehicle (EV) battery architecture and propulsion system that delivers power, range and scale beyond any previous GM hybrid or extended-range EV technology. The modular and scalable Ultium platform uses different chemistries and battery form factors, allowing it to adapt to changing needs and new technology insertions.

The award follows a similar announcement by GM Defense in July, when the company was selected by the U.S. Army to provide a GMC HUMMER EV pickup for analysis and demonstration. The award is designed to help meet the military’s requirements for light-to-heavy battery electric vehicles that can support a reduced reliance on fossil fuels in operational and garrisoned environments.

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