Hitachi Automotive Systems to supply high output Li-on battery cells to GM

Hitachi Automotive Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan's Hitachi, Ltd today said that  will supply 5,000W/kg of high output power density prismatic lithium-ion battery cells for General Motors' new Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, due for launch in 2016.

These prismatic lithium-ion battery cells being delivered for the 2016 new model Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid employ heat resistant separators to ensure the ionic conductivity between the positive and negative electrodes, achieving not only a high output power density of 5,000W/kg, but also a high level of safety.

The battery's ability to maintain its high output power density in GM evaluations, even under extremely low temperatures such as the minus 30°C cold region test, led to its adoption.

Hitachi's lithium-ion battery operations for vehicles began in 1999. To date, a total of over 5 million lithium-ion batteries have been introduced into the market for commercial hybrid buses and trucks, as well as hybrid passenger cars.

The many years of supply performance for lithium-ion batteries as mass produced products, together with the accumulated production and quality management know-how garnered from feedback from the market, has led to an emphasis on high reliability and earned Hitachi a high reputation from car manufacturers both inside and outside of Japan.

In addition, last year Hitachi Automotive Systems integrated the lithium-ion battery manufacturer Hitachi Vehicle Energy's design and R&D departments, advancing lithium-ion batteries by using the electronic, control, and software technology the company possessed toward battery control system development.

Hitachi Automotive Systems will continue to contribute to the evolution of electrically driven vehicles through the strengthening of electric power train products, lithium-ion batteries, and more.

About Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.

Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. is a .,