A123 Systems announced that it will provide Li ion batteries for 48 volt (V) systems to GM’s Chinese joint venture (JV). The A123 systems will be used in GM’s Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac vehicles. This is a significant win for A123, as the JV is one of the largest automotive groups in China.

A123’s batteries will be used in GM’s new line of 48V vehicles, which are designed to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. The 48V system will allow GM to offer start-stop technology, which will turn the engine off when the vehicle is stopped, and regenerative braking, which captures energy normally lost during braking and stores it in the battery.

“We are very pleased to be working with GM on its new 48V system,” said Chetan Maini, CEO of A123 Systems. “Our batteries are well-suited for this application due to their high power density and long life. We believe the 48V system will be an important part of the future of the automotive industry, and we are proud to be supplying batteries for this next-generation technology.”