General Motors' batteries are getting ready to go to the Moon

Electric vehicles seem to face every possible challenge during their testing period. But there are even more extreme tests they may have to face. Tests unlike anything on Earth, and for which there is no way to replicate conditions on our planet. The new lunar rover that will travel to our satellite will be equipped with GM’s new Ultium batteries, so the company has had to make sure they will withstand lunar conditions.

The proposal launched by GM together with Lockheed for the Artemis program is an electric vehicle that must endure extreme temperatures, ranging from 126°C to 173°C below zero. And under those conditions, it must move across rugged terrain in conditions that cannot be reproduced exactly on Earth.

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Ultium batteries

The Ultium batteries are the ones General Motors is using in its electric vehicles, such as the Hummer EV. So these will have to undergo further testing and new challenges to be able to reach the Moon within a few years. Not only that, but the batteries that must reach the satellite will be able to collect a lot of data on their behaviour in that hostile environment.

With that data, General Motors can work with these batteries and improve their performance for future electric vehicles. In fact, everything learned in developing the Hummer EV can be applied to this lunar rover. During the pandemic, this electric model went through several tests virtually, since real-world testing was not possible.

Virtual training

The experience gained with the Hummer in a virtual environment will serve to test the rover, since the conditions of the Moon cannot be reproduced anywhere on the planet. In addition, the ability to drive off paved roads gives the autonomous driving systems greater freedom to act.

This vehicle may be part of the first missions to reach the Moon within the Artemis program, so a functional prototype of the vehicle could soon be seen.