GM, Argonne Sign Licensing Deal for Chevy Volt Batteries

Technology | admin | January 6, 2011 at 3:04 pm

General Motors and Argonne National Laboratory have signed a 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 material has already been licensed to Korean battery-cell company LG Chem for use in the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric car, Argonne said today

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.

GM is the first American car company to license use of Argonne’s advanced cathode material technology, which was patented nine years ago.

LG Chem and BASF, the German chemical company, also hold licensing agreements with Argonne.