GM Daewoo electric car to raise global competition

The streets of Seoul will become the test bed for the U.S. auto giant’s new EV

Korea is set to become the main test bed for General Motor’s new generation of electric vehicles after GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co., auto giant’s local unit, yesterday unveiled its first compact-sized EV model.

The prototype vehicle, based on GM Daewoo’s Lacetti Premiere, can travel up to 160 kilometers (100 miles) on a single charge. Earlier this month, Hyundai Motor launched its own EV, the BlueOn. The GM Daewoo EV is powered by high-performance battery and propulsion systems made by LG Chem and LG Electronics, respectively, while 50 other Korean companies took part in the development process, according to the company. Road tests of the EV in Seoul will begin shortly to gauge consumer response to the model, which will be known as the “Chevrolet Cruze” in foreign markets.

The EV boasts a 31-kilowatt-hour electric battery that can generate a maximum power output of 150 kilowatts in transit. The vehicle can reach 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) in 8.2 seconds and has a maximum speed of 165 kilometers per hour. The battery can be fully charged in 8 to 10 hours on a standard household 220-volt outlet, according to tests.

GM Daewoo highlighted the importance of this latest development in the competition for leadership of the global electric car industry. “Our goal is to be a leader in the development of green technologies,” said Mike Arcamone, GM Daewoo chief executive. “Our ability to develop this vehicle in less than a year offers a peek at the very promising plans we have for our customers in Korea and around the world.”

LG Chem has worked closely with GM Daewoo’s parent company General Motors since 2008, after cementing an exclusive contract to provide batteries for the latter’s electric cars. The Chevrolet Volt, GM’s latest electric vehicle, runs on batteries supplied by LG Chem.

“Expanding the domestic electric vehicle market carries significant meaning for collaboration between GM Daewoo and LG Chem,” said Peter Bahnsuk Kim, Vice Chairman and CEO of LG Chem. “After forging a strong partnership with GM, we look forward to doing the same with GM Daewoo in our home country.”

Source, Lee Jung-yoon