GM has just cut a big problem to deal with the dirty secret of EV
GM plans to use American lithium in its next-generation batteries for electric vehicles, by pressing a new – and potentially less environmentally harmful – providing essential but controversial metal. Lithium batteries are a key element of EV expansion, both for GM and for all automakers looking for electrification, but the rare metal has significant disadvantages with it.
For starters, most lithium is currently undermined outside the United States, leaving American automakers based on foreign supplies. The current lithium extraction processes, meanwhile, are incredibly resource intensive, especially when it comes to water. Some estimates are at 500,000 gallons per metric ton of lithium produced.
Today, General Motors has announced that it has recorded a transaction with controlled thermal resources (CTR), an American and inexpensive lithium supplier. Strategic investment and trade collaboration will see GM move forward to the line when it comes to lithium supply, particularly lithium cooking and energy development of CTR in The geothermal domain of Salton Sea, located in Imperial, California.
There, the CTR envisions to exploit a so-called direct extraction and closed loop process. It takes lithium geothermal brine, which has a smaller physical footprint than traditional open pit mines. It also avoids evaporation ponds and can be powered by renewable energy sources. It is important to note that carbon dioxide emissions are also lower for the method.
“The CTR’s direct lithium extraction process uses renewable power and steam – significantly reducing the time required to produce battery quality lithium products and eliminating the need to transform abroad,” a society declared today. “CTR operations will have a minimum physical footprint and a carbon footprint close to zero. Brine, after lithium extraction, is returned to the geothermal tank at the bottom of the Earth. “
CTR expects the first step in the hell cooking project to start producing lithium in 2024. GM will have rights on this performance, in addition to an option for another multiannual relationship because it tries to Secure a long-term lithium provision. In total, the manufacturer said: “A significant amount of lithium hydroxide and GM battery quality carbonate” could come from this facility.
It will be decisive because GM increases the plans of electric vehicles on its various brands. Although most of its electrified cars and electrifying trucks are hybrids, with Chevrolet EV bolt and Bolt EU aberrant values in the United States, General Motors has considerable ambitions for expansion with its Ultium platform. This will see a new chemistry of the battery and a new architecture used for EVS on its operators.
Initially, this will include the GMC Hummer EV and the Cadillac Lyriq, but Chevrolet also plans a Silverado pickup truck to electric. Ultimium will also support GM’s expansion beyond its own brands, with the fixed platform to form the Base of SUV Honda and Acura. The 2024 Prologue Honda will be the first of these, followed by an Acura version also developed ATOP GM technology.