![\"GMelec-motor\"](\"http:\/\/a323.yahoofs.com\/ymg\/ecogeek\/ecogeek-209527162-1264549031.jpg?ymnCRlCDVYuFDaeY\")
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General Motors announced today that it will be expanding its capabilities for designing and manufacturing electric traction motors, the motors used to propel electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. GM plans to have the first GM-designed and -built electric motors installed in some 2013 vehicles.<\/p>\n
“In the future, electric motors might become as important to GM as engines are now,” said Tom Stephens, GM Vice Chairman, Global Product Operations. “By designing and manufacturing electric motors in-house, we can more efficiently use energy from batteries as they evolve, potentially reducing cost and weight \u2013 two significant challenges facing batteries today.”<\/p>\n
Of course, the benefits from GM designing and building its own electric motors will include weight-reduction, range-extension, energy-use optimization, and coordination of motors and batteries, all of which will make for better, longer running, more energy efficient electric vehicles in the future.<\/p>\n
GM and its long-time rival, Ford, seem to be starting a new round of competition. With this announcement from GM and Ford’s recent announcement about bringing battery resaerch and production in-house<\/a>, both companies are moving to position themselves for the design and manufacture of components and systems for electric vehicles. Like a new space race, the benefits of this competition may reinvigorate both companies. Developments could also spill over into other fields. And maybe, all of this could lead to a resurgence of Detroit in the automotive world<\/p>\n