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Discover “Ultium” – the battery technology powering GM’s EV fleet

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Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular around the world as people seek environmentally friendly transportation options. However, one of the key challenges facing the EV industry is the development of efficient and reliable battery technology. General Motors (GM), one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers, is taking on this challenge through its Ultium battery technology.

The Ultium battery is a cutting-edge battery system that GM has developed to power its next generation of EVs. This battery system is designed to be flexible, efficient, and cost-effective, making it an ideal solution for EV manufacturers. The Ultium battery is based on a modular design that can be scaled up or down depending on the needs of the vehicle. This means that the same battery system can be used in a wide range of vehicles, from small cars to large trucks.

The Ultium battery system features advanced chemistry that allows for a longer driving range and faster charging times. According to GM, the Ultium battery will be capable of delivering up to 643 kilometers of range on a single charge. This is a significant improvement over the current range of most EVs on the market today. In addition, the Ultium battery system can be charged at rates of up to 200 kW, which means that drivers can add up to 160 kilometers of range in just 10 minutes of charging.

Another key advantage of the Ultium battery system is its cost-effectiveness. GM has designed the battery system to use a minimal amount of rare earth materials, which are often expensive and difficult to source. By reducing its reliance on these materials, GM can reduce the cost of its battery systems, making EVs more affordable for consumers.

In addition to its technological advancements, the Ultium battery system is also environmentally friendly. GM has committed to using 100% renewable energy to power its Ultium battery factories, which will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process. The company also plans to recycle up to 95% of the battery materials, reducing waste and further reducing the environmental impact of the battery system.

Overall, the Ultium battery system is a significant step forward for the EV industry. With its advanced technology, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability, the Ultium battery system has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about electric vehicles. As more EV manufacturers adopt this technology, we can expect to see a significant increase in the adoption of electric vehicles, leading to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future.

Kipp Scott GMC Cadillac Buick is a family-owned business that has proudly served Red Deer, and all of Alberta, for over 50 Years since first opening our doors in 1968. Treating our customers with respect has always been our number-one priority, and we believe when it comes to selling vehicles, honesty is the best policy. Rest assured we’ll do everything we can to make sure you leave our dealership 100% satisfied.

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Automotive

Can Metal Mining Match the Speed of the Planned Electric Vehicle Transition?

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From the Fraser Institute

By Kenneth P. Green

The governments of Canada, the United States, and many other nations are mandating a shift in vehicle technology: away from vehicles powered primarily by internal combustion engines, and toward vehicles powered primarily with electricity stored on board in batteries.

Canada’s government has established policies designed to push automakers to achieve the government’s goal of having 35 percent of all new medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sales be electric by 2030, rising to 100 percent of all new medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sales being electric by 2040.

The US has set a target requiring 50 percent of all new passenger cars and light trucks sold in 2030 be electric, or largely electric hybrid vehicles. These timelines are ambitious, calling for a major expansion of the prevalence of electric vehicles (EVs) in the major vehicle classes in a very short time—only 7 to 10 years.

Barring breakthrough developments in battery technology, this massive and rapid expansion of battery-electric vehicle production will require a correspondingly massive and rapid expansion of the mining and refining of the metals and rare earth elements critical to battery-electric vehicle technology.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) suggests that to meet international EV adoption pledges, the world will need 50 new lithium mines by 2030, along with 60 new nickel mines, and 17 new cobalt mines. The materials needed for cathode production will require 50 more new mines, and anode materials another 40. The battery cells will require 90 new mines, and EVs themselves another 81. In total, this adds up to 388 new mines. For context, as of 2021, there were only 270 metal mines operating across the US, and only 70 in Canada. If Canada and the US wish to have internal supply chains for these vital EV metals, they have a lot of mines to establish in a very short period.

Historically, however, mining and refining facilities are both slow to develop and are highly uncertain endeavors plagued by regulatory uncertainty and by environmental and regulatory barriers. Lithium production timelines, for example, are approximately 6 to 9 years, while production timelines (from application to production) for nickel are approximately 13 to 18 years, according to the IEA.

The establishment of aggressive and short-term EV adoption goals sets up a potential conflict with metal and mineral production, which is historically characterized by long lead-times and long production timelines. The risk that mineral and mining production will fall short of projected demand is significant, and could greatly affect the success of various governments’ plans for EV transition.

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Alberta

Auto Insurance affordability: Province says long term solutions may include public insurance offering

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Good drivers to benefit from auto insurance changes

New reforms will address the pressing issue of automobile insurance rates in the province as the government explores longer-term solutions.

Alberta’s government is exploring every possible avenue to provide relief to Albertans. Albertans with good driving records would experience price protection, ensuring their insurance rates do not increase higher than inflation. The proposed reforms would start Jan. 1, 2024.

“We know that Albertans have been struggling with their auto insurance rates and that’s why we’ve been working hard to find solutions. I’m pleased that we can work to bring forward these new measures to help. With inflation and the affordability crisis making life more expensive for Albertans, we will continue working to ensure that the measures we take are not only affordable but also sustainable in the long run.”

Danielle Smith, Premier

Alberta’s government will be taking further action to amend regulations, ensuring that insurers must offer payment plan options so Albertans would not have to pay the full amount for their coverage upfront. These changes would ensure the auto insurance industry can continue to cover claims costs and protect Alberta drivers while providing more relief to Albertans.

Additionally, changes would grant Alberta’s Automobile Insurance Rate Board (AIRB) the authority to direct auto insurers to return premiums to Albertans in years when insurance industry profits are significantly higher. AIRB could also request a rate filing from an insurer at any time to review and possibly lower auto insurance rates if needed.

“We understand the struggles many Albertans are facing, and we are working to ensure Albertans can afford the coverage they need. Achieving affordable auto insurance is a major commitment for our government and this is only the first step in delivering on that promise. We value the sustainability of the insurance industry and call for increased collaboration from insurers as we continue the work to address these issues.”

Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

“Affordability continues to be a major concern for Albertans when the cost on every day essentials rises and makes it tough to make ends meet. That’s why we continue to build on our existing affordability measures to help stabilize costs. This auto insurance reform will help do this in the short term.”

Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities

Alberta’s government is closely examining more long-term solutions to make Alberta’s auto insurance industry affordable and sustainable.

The current rate pause will remain in effect to ease the burden on Alberta drivers until the end of 2023. Proposed reforms for 2024 would not impose a dynamic price ceiling on the rate increases insurers can request but would help control how they are distributed among customers, particularly those with good driving records. Any rate increases in 2024 will be carefully monitored to ensure they are reasonable and justifiable. Albertans should continue to shop around to find the best insurance coverage for them.

“As the consumer representative on the Automobile Insurance Rate Board, I ensure that Alberta drivers are considered in all board decisions, including changes to insurer rating programs. I believe protecting good drivers from unexpected rate increases is a win for Alberta consumers. During a time of affordability challenges, this action will provide price stability and predictability for Alberta families.”

Stephane Lemieux, consumer representative, Alberta Automobile Insurance Rate Board

The government has commissioned an in-depth analysis by an external consultant concerning longer-term reforms. A draft report is expected by the end of 2023, with the final report slated for the first quarter of 2024. The results of this analysis will inform the government’s long-term reforms.

Quick facts

  • The description of a driver with a good record is adapted from the AIRBs guidance for the grid rating program. This includes anyone without the following:
  • one or more at-fault accidents in the last six years
  • any Criminal Code traffic convictions in the last four years
  • any major traffic convictions in the last three years
  • more than one minor traffic conviction in the last three years
  • In Alberta’s competitive marketplace, Albertans can sometimes get better rates by shopping around and exploring their options.
    • Albertans should continue to work with their insurance companies or brokers to get the best rates.
    • Alberta drivers can get discounts of up to 20 per cent for bundling their home and property insurance, in addition to discounts for good driving behavior.

Related information

At 17:00 of the video here, A reporter’s question about a potential public insurance offering in Alberta is confirmed.

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