The software provides early detection of battery hazards including a thermal runaway.
General Motors is keen on keeping its internal combustion engine (ICE) lineup alive amid the industry's shift to favoring electric vehicles (EVs). But that doesn't stop the Michigan-based car manufacturer from bolstering its EV program.
GM announced that it has substantially acquired all of ALGOLiON Ltd's assets for an undisclosed sum. The newly-formed Technology Acceleration and Commercialization (TAC) organization led the acquisition, a group within GM that aims to develop the brand's battery technology.
ALGOLiON is an Israel-based battery software startup founded in 2014 by Niles Fleischer, Ph.D., and Alex Nimberger, Ph.D. The company has developed software that should help GM improve the battery management systems of its EVs.
This software identifies anomalies in cell performance, ensuring proper vehicle health management and early detection of battery hazards.
One of these hazards is a thermal runaway, a chain reaction within a battery cell that can be difficult to stop. This is why EV fires are hard to put out. Last year, firefighters even had to drown a Tesla Model S in a pit they dug to extinguish the battery fire.
Aside from the software's safety factor, the partnership also looks to bring cost-effectiveness to the table. After all, the company reportedly has a hard time making a profit off its EV program, even for relatively affordable all-electric models priced between $30,000 and $40,000.
Future EV models under the GM umbrella should benefit from acquiring the new battery company – the company's upcoming Cadillac Celestiq and GMC Sierra EV.
ALGOLiON has the tools to take GM's battery technology to another level, which should eventually boost the automaker's presence in the electric car market.
“ALGOLiON has developed cutting edge battery analytics and prediction software that will help General Motors deliver great performing EVs for our customers,” said Gil Golan, vice president, TAC.
“The ALGOLiON team is excited to join GM on its tracks to an all-electric vehicle future,” said Fleischer. “We found the right home for our technology to play an integral role in maintaining healthy batteries for exciting products and reach customers globally.”
Keyword: GM Buys Software Startup To Curb EV Battery Failures