The venture capital arm of US legacy automaker GM will pump $10mn into Forge Nano, a materials science company specialising in atomic layer deposition. The two firms have also entered a strategic partnership agreement to collaborate on potential atomic layer deposition applications for GM batteries.
Atomic layer deposition is a surface engineering technique that applies thin-film coatings to battery materials to control chemistry and structure at atomic scale. Using its Atomic Armor technology, Forge Nano will develop thin-film coatings for GM to pursue battery performance enhancements and cost reductions.
Sign up for EV inFocus
EV inFocus: Hard news for the corporate e-mobility sector
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Forge Nano will also build prototype lithium-ion battery cells at its Thornton, CO headquarters to showcase the capabilities of its technology. The firm plans to expand both its battery material coating business and semiconductor footprint.
“GM Ventures’ primary goal is to bring disruptive technology into the GM ecosystem to improve products and processes,” says Anirvan Coomer, managing director of GM Ventures. “Forge Nano’s Atomic Armor technology has game-changing potential for our battery materials.
“They have already demonstrated the ability to expand cathode capabilities, which is the most expensive battery cell component. This could unlock benefits for both customers and the business.”
“General Motors’ investment will allow us to further enhance battery material performance and durability, while allowing us to expand our footprint in other key areas like semiconductors,” says Forge Nano CEO Paul Lichty.
Partner strategy
GM said in its investor days earlier this month that it has “created mechanisms to identify and invest in emerging technologies through GM Ventures or to develop it in-house”.
“We have brought together a robust set of technology partners that will serve us to help us diversify our supply chain and adapt and scale battery production to meet changing market dynamics,” says Kurt Kelty, GM’s vice-president of battery, cell and pack.
“We are going to continue to enhance our partner strategy, bringing in the right companies with the right cells for the right vehicles to help us achieve our performance and cost goals.”
Peter boasts 20+ years’ experience in energy/commodity journalism & analysis.
He is convinced the next few decades will be all about energy transition. Insider Focus is a front-row seat for the ride.
