General Motors would soon set up the first lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in the US to produce the Chevrolet Volt's battery pack system. The project is a part of the company’s plan to roll out the plug-in electric car next year.

 

To strengthen its plans, GM has further tied with the Korean company LG Chem to supply lithium-ion battery cells. Its subsidiary, Compact Power based in Troy will build battery packs for Volt prototype vehicles until GM's battery facility is operational.

 

GM has been testing battery packs for the Volt, powered by cells from LG Chem, for the past 16 months. These tests - both on the road and in the lab - have provided invaluable insight into lithium-ion battery technology.

 

GM is aiming to get the Volt, with a secondary gasoline motor that will extends its range from the present 64 kilometres.

 

The General Motors plug-in electric car is set to roll out next year and although the company has not announced its price, experts feel that it may cost in the region of $30,000 to $40,000.