GM awards Volt, E-Flex battery contracts

GM juices up its future?

According to the AP, GM has awarded "contracts to design and test lithium-ion batteries" to Michigan-based Compact Power Inc. and to Continental Automotive systems.

The batteries will not only power the Chevy Volt, but all of the vehicles produced on GM's E-Flex drive - a platform that could power hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles.

"Given the huge potential that the Volt and its E-flex system offers to lower oil consumption, lower oil imports and reduce carbon gas emissions, this is for sure a top priority program for GM," said Wagoner, who added that the company is trying to produce the Volt as soon as it can.