The New York Times reports that General Motors (GM) will make lithium batteries for its much-anticipated Chevy Volt in Michigan, instead of making the batteries overseas. If the new plant goes forward as planned, GM  will be the first automaker to produce these batteries inside the US. Since concerns have been raised about America potentially becoming dependent on foreign companies for batteries just as we are dependent on them for oil today, this announcement is significant.

In the New York Times Article, Brett Smith, assistant director for manufacturing, engineering and technology at the Center for Automotive Research,  explains the importance of the announcement:

This is very important, and it’s beyond symbolic,” said Brett Smith, speaking of the plant’s significance. Mr. Smith, assistant director for manufacturing, engineering and technology at the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich., explained that it is critical for the Detroit Three automakers to create an infrastructure in the United States for volume production of batteries for electric, plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles.

He noted that while this country lacks a cohesive battery-development policy, Asian battery companies, supported by their national governments, dominate global production driven by demand from the consumer-electronics industry.