General Motors has confirmed that the company’s Warren Transmission Plant will build the electric drive unit for the second-generation Chevrolet Volt. That means most major Volt powertrain components – from its battery cells to its range-extender – will be made in Michigan, establishing the state as the company’s global engineering centre of excellence for GM vehicle electrification.
“We must provide the breakthrough technology that our customers want,” said GM CEO Mary Barra. “Our investments in the Chevy Volt and Michigan signify our commitment to lead the industry in technology and innovation.”
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Since 2009, GM says it has announced more than $11 billion in investments in the United States, with almost half of that investment committed to Michigan.
In addition, GM says it has worked with its UAW partners to develop initiatives that will lead to more than 22,600 jobs in the United States. This hiring has begun and will continue over the next few years, and many of these jobs will be based in Michigan.
Approximately $1.82 billion in capital has been invested in projects dedicated specifically to vehicle electrification.
Battery cells for the Volt and ELR are produced by LG Chem in Holland, Mich., and the Volt’s vehicle’s electric motors will also be made in the United States.
Within the first year of production, about 70 percent of the Volt’s parts will be made in the United States or Canada, which GM believes is the most for a plug-in or conventional hybrid.
See also: US: Cadillac and Chevrolet set for electrification push
