GM, Argonne Sign Licensing Deal for Advanced Battery Chemistry

General Motors Co. and the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have reached a worldwide licensing agreement to use Argonne's patented composite cathode material to make advanced lithium-ion batteries that last longer between charges and can charge at higher voltages.

"The creation of this battery technology represents an important return on the American investment in innovative vehicle and battery research," said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. "This agreement gives General Motors the ability to use cutting-edge battery technology throughout its supply chain. The licensing of this technology will also spur the renewal of the American battery industry, creating hundreds of new jobs where they are needed most."

The cathode material licensed to GM is part of a large, diverse suite of Li-ion battery inventions and patents developed at Argonne with DOE funding. The agency also provided funding for early science research that helped develop this technology. Use of the cathode material will yield advanced batteries that are high-performing, long-lasting and safe when compared to the existing technology that has dominated the market for nearly two decades.

Compared with currently available materials, Argonne's composite cathode material has a unique combination of lithium- and manganese-rich mixed-metal oxides in a stable materials-design approach that will:

Extend the operating time between charges and increase the calendar life of batteries
Improve the inherent safety of lithium-ion cells.
Allow charging at higher voltages, which leads to a substantially higher energy storage capacity.

"Engineers and researchers at General Motors are working on next-generation battery systems that will reduce cost while providing improved performance, expanding the practicality and affordability of electric vehicles in the future," said Micky Bly, GM Executive Director - Electric Systems, Hybrids, Electric Vehicles, and Batteries.