In the electric vehicle era, a single platform can generate various vehicles, from small to large, providing efficiency to manufacturers and a quick array of models for customers. This is GM’s Ultium platform.
The Korea Automotive Journalists Association held a discussion panel on the 19th at the Daegu Future Mobility Expo, with President Mac Murray of GM Technical Korea.
During the panel, Mac Murray stated, “The transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles is effectively underway,” adding, “We no longer need to use gasoline. The use of fossil fuels must cease.”
He also emphasized the importance of vehicle connectivity, explaining that vehicle owners often check their cars’ safety at all times, referencing GM’s “Ultium platform.” The Ultium platform is GM’s dedicated electric vehicle platform that incorporates a range of batteries from 50kWh to 200kWh and electric motor units.
With a single platform accommodating various battery capacities and electric motor units, GM can produce a wide array of electric vehicles. This versatility allows GM to create models ranging from the Equinox EV to the Hummer EV, as well as Cadillac’s Celestiq and Escalade IQ, including Lyric, covering small to large vehicles and pickups.
In particular, Yu Young-woo, the executive responsible for Ultium battery strategy technology at GM, showcased a video of the Hummer EV’s off-road driving, stating, “The Ultium platform demonstrates excellent performance even on rugged terrain,” hinting at the end of the internal combustion engine era for off-road vehicles.
Through this, Mac expressed confidence in GM’s commitment to releasing a diverse range of electric models from small SUVs to large pickup trucks, aiming to sell 1 million electric vehicles by 2025 to reduce its carbon footprint.
Regarding safety concerns about the lithium-ion batteries used in the Ultium platform, Mac stated, “Thermal runaway is inevitable with lithium-ion batteries,” and added, “We are seeking the optimal chemical composition ratio to prevent thermal runaway.”
Daegu = Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr