Tuesday, June 14, 2011

The First Electric Motor Plant Owned by a Major U.S. Automaker

Great news on the EV side:  We will soon have our first EV plant producing clean-burning, electric cars.  What a milestone in the new, industrial revolution.

Here's the link on Environmental Leaderhttp://www.environmentalleader.com/2011/06/13/the-first-electric-motor-plant-owned-by-a-major-u-s-automaker/.

Part of the story: 

"General Motors has begun construction on its new $269.5 million electric motor manufacturing plant, which is the first for a major U.S. automaker. The plant is located in the GM Baltimore Operations Complex and scheduled to open in 2013. The new factory will produce 190 jobs, working to produce the next generation of electric and hybrid vehicles. The new facility will manufacturer components needed for vehicle electrification, in a complex that already manufactures two-mode hybrid and heavy duty transmissions.

The new construction GM will also contribute to its renewable energy portfolio. Currently General Motors claims that it 1.4% of the company’s energy needs come from renewable sources. This new construction will add to it. The factory will be equipped with a 1.23 megawatt solar array providing 9% of its annual energy and proving energy savings of $330,000 during the life of the project. GM has signed a 20-year power purchase contract with Constellation Energy who will build, own and operate the 1.23 MW solar system. The facility will be built with funding from GM, as well as state and federal funding. General Motors will be investing $129 million into the plant. They will be receiving $105 million from the U.S. Department of Energy, which selected GM for a $105 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the construction of U.S. manufacturing capabilities to produce electric motors and related electric drive components. Local and State funding will add another $10.5 million to the construction project"

Have you watched our recent show with Al Cerrone talking about GM, their many changes, improvements, and focus on delivering better gas mileage and efficiency on all models, but lead by the electric (with a back up, small gas engine for better range) Volt?  Clearly, with the help of some stimulus money, GM is investing in a bright future for EV's.

We will follow up Al's show with an interview with a GM official who can talk about this new plant.

Great news. Hopefully, you are all thinking about a future driving a hybrid or electric. 

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