GM to double size of battery lab

General Motors says it will spend $8 million to double the size of its Global Battery Systems Lab, which the company claims is the largest and most technologically advanced automotive battery lab in the United States.

GM says the expansion will speed up the development of hybrid and electric vehicles, such as the upcoming Chevrolet Volt, by improving on-site testing of battery cells and systems.

When finished, the lab will be 30,000 square feet bigger than it is now, for a 63,000-square-foot total. The addition will be located adjacent to the existing lab inside the Alternative Energy Center facility. Areas previously used for engine testing will be used for battery development.

Construction begins this month and GM hopes it will be completed this summer.

The expanded lab will add capacity in safety testing, supplier evaluation, improving manufacturing processes, charger development and integration, heat testing and storage.

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