The growing number of electric vehicles on China’s roads has created the new challenge of what to do with used batteries. SAIC-GM-Wuling has introduced a solution that is extending the life of its electric vehicle batteries to benefit society.
SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile is a joint venture between SAIC Motor, General Motors, and Liuzhou Wuling Motors Co Ltd. Based in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, in southwestern China, it makes commercial and consumer vehicles sold in China under the Wuling and Baojun marques, respectively.
GM’s joint venture recently put into operation Guangxi province’s first cascading energy storage power station utilizing retired electric vehicle batteries at the company’s Baojun base in Liuzhou. The facility stores wind and solar energy as well as energy from the grid generated during non-peak hours for use by the grid to relieve pressure during peak hours of consumption.
The power station is using old batteries from the development of SAIC-GM-Wuling’s Baojun E100 and E200 electric vehicles. The facility has up to 1,000 kWh of storage capacity, with rated power of 250 kW.
General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company committed to delivering safer, better and more sustainable ways for people to get around. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Holden, BaojunandWuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services.