Voltec battery press conference. Click image to enlarge

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Voltec battery press conference

Detroit, Michigan – General Motors has announced that the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle will use battery packs manufactured in the U.S. by GM. The announcement was made by GM chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner at the North American International Motor Show in Detroit.

GM will establish the first lithium-ion battery pack manufacturing facility operated by a major automaker. The plant will be located in Michigan, subject to negotiations with state and local government authorities. Facility preparation will begin in early 2009, with production of the so-called Voltec battery system starting in 2010.

The Volt’s battery pack system consists of lithium-ion cells that are grouped into modules, along with other key battery components. The cells will be supplied by LG Chem.