Amidst an exponential rise in EV popularity, GM has released its plans for new battery technology. The Ultium battery is based on new technology and a "flexible, modular platform" seeking to provide many advantages in the realm of EV technology. The company has been engineering novel EV features with its partner LG Chem. Considering GM's impact on the market, it could create significant competition between the automaker and Tesla.

Some of the highlights of GM's new technology include modular cells and a low cost of less than $100 per kWh. This platform is set to make an appearance in various vehicles, including the Chevrolet Bolt EV, electric Hummer, and Cadillac Lyriq SUV.

Here's some more information about GM's new proprietary technology and how it will compare to a Tesla battery.

Research & Development

GM Ultium Battery EV Electric Hybrid Tech
via media.gm.com

GM plans to implement cost improvements, flexibility, capital efficiency, and complexity reduction in their novel EV models. “Our team accepted the challenge to transform product development at GM and position our company for an all-electric future”, according to GM CEO Mary Barra.  The automaker also stands to profit significantly by licensing their battery technology to other companies.

Thanks to a collaboration with LG Chem, GM has devised a plan to keep their battery cells under $100/kWh. Tesla, who partners primarily with Panasonic for battery production, has seen cell expenditure decrease to $127/kWh from $230/kWh.

Amidst the efficiency and cost-driven desire to improve cell chemistry, both companies have addressed the reduction of cobalt.  The element drives costs higher along with concerns of a potential cobalt shortage in the future. Tesla has indicated plans to implement cobalt-free batteries through the use of LFP (lithium-iron phosphate) packs.  GM's Ultium reduces cobalt by 70% using proprietary NMCA chemistry.

RELATED:  These Everyday EVs Offer Sports Car Acceleration

Capacity & Range

Tesla EV Electric Battery Pack Model 3
via hybridcars.com

Various sizes of Ultium batteries are in development, from 50 to 200kWh. According to GM, vehicles fitted with these batteries could have a range at or above 400 miles on a single charge. They will use 400V battery packs in cars and 800V in trucks with 200kW and 350kW fast charging, respectively.  Even with the array of Tesla models available, GM will most likely be able to hold its own in the EV market.

Each Tesla has optional packages with varying capacities, typically offering a performance version and a “Long Range” option. The “Long Range Plus” version of the Model S claims 402 miles on a single charge. This is based on a 100kWh battery and remains the largest range of any production Tesla. New vehicles such as the Model Y Long Range AWD offer a 316mi range.

Tesla has a supercharger network of over 7,600 stations in North America as of January 2020.  For Chevrolet Bolt owners, GM has created the Energy Assist feature which displays the location of over 40,000 compatible charging stations in the U.S.  The automaker will triple the amount of charging stations available for employees by adding 3,500 stations at their various facilities.

Structural Integrity

GM Ultium Battery EV Electric Hybrid Tech
via extremetech.com

Automotive battery packs typically consist of cylindrical, pouch, or prismatic-style cell configurations.  Cylindrical cells are popular due to ease of production.  One of the things that makes the Ultium battery unique is “pouch-style” cells that allow them to be configured in a vertical or horizontal layout.  This can provide versatile possibilities for different applications and achieve a much greater packaging efficiency than other arrangements.  Tesla batteries consist of vertically arranged, cylindrical cells.

According to measures of core efficiency, Tesla’s battery provides 42% more efficiency per kWh than other electric vehicles. Although it is difficult to compare the Ultium based solely on preliminary numbers, there is no question that GM will be continuously making improvements to their battery technology.

RELATED: 10 Coolest Electric Trucks That Will Hit The Roads In The Next 5 Years

Future Applications

Tesla EV Electric Battery Pack for the Model 3
Qnovo

GM has designed the Ultium platform and motors to be compatible with front-wheel, rear-wheel, and all-wheel drive configurations. The company has announced multiple all-electric vehicles that will soon be released, including the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and Cadillac Lyriq, a luxury SUV. Hands-free driving in the form of GM’s “Super Cruise” technology will be integrated into the new Bolt as well.

According to the automaker, an Ultium-powered GMC Hummer EV is scheduled for a release on May 20, 2021. GM has devoted $2.2 billion to the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant, which will be the first General Motors plant 100% committed to EV manufacturing.

Considering the sheer quantity of EV vehicles and companies fully devoted to all-electric production, GM will certainly face comparison to other technologies. Consumers will likely jump on the chance to have an electric GM vehicle, given their status as one of the most legendary auto companies in America.  Market dynamics may change significantly in response to the Ultium release amidst the rising popularity of Tesla's battery technology.

Sources:  GM, Tesla, Electrek, Forbes, Loup Ventures

NEXT:  How The New Ford F-150 Rivals Tesla's Cybertruck