GM unveils fourth-generation EV platform, promising 15% lighter vehicles

General Motors (GM) unveiled its fourth-generation electric vehicle architecture at the GM Forward event in New York. The new platform is meant to offer similar or longer range with a smaller battery, and to reduce production costs. GM did not say which models will use the architecture or when it will go on sale.

GM President Mark Reuss said the platform will underpin many vehicles across different segments and that the first models will arrive soon. The architecture is aimed at the segments with GM's highest sales volumes, especially crossover SUVs.

Targeted efficiency figures

According to GM, the new EV platform aims to cut vehicle weight by 15%, energy consumption by 20% and total battery capacity by 20%. The company also plans a 25% improvement in aerodynamic performance. By offering adequate range from a smaller battery, GM hopes to lower one of the biggest cost items in electric vehicles.

At the center of the platform are lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) battery cells. GM says this chemistry costs less than high-nickel batteries and has 33% higher energy density than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. Prismatic cells will be integrated directly into the structural design. GM has not yet said whether the cells will be placed directly into the pack or whether a modular system will be used.

GM has also redesigned its electric motors and power electronics. The number of parts in each motor has been cut by 40%.

Central computing unit

The new architecture replaces many independent control units with a single central computing unit mounted at the front of the vehicle. The unit will manage functions including environmental sensing, power distribution, safety systems and chassis control. GM says the system can run in-vehicle AI features and autonomous driving systems at the same time.

According to the company, the new system will use 30% less wiring than current EVs. Processing power will rise 40-fold, and cellular connection speed will increase by 50%. The central structure will also allow more comprehensive over-the-air software updates.