General Motors is collaborating with LG to advance lithium manganese-rich (LMR) battery technology for its electric trucks and SUVs.
GM, the leading seller of electric vehicles in the U.S., aims to reduce the cost of its battery-powered pickups and large SUVs by thousands of dollars. The cost reduction comes from a new battery technology that incorporates a higher percentage of the affordable mineral manganese while minimizing the use of costly metals like cobalt and nickel—without compromising driving range.
The LMR cell is projected to enter the market by 2028. It will also mark the first commercial use of prismatic EV battery cells by Ultium Cells LLC, the joint venture between the companies.
“LMR unlocks the premium range and performance at an affordable cost,” said Kurt Kelty, GM vice president of battery, propulsion, and sustainability. “It’s a game-changing battery for electric trucks.”
The automaker states that LMR cells are comparable in cost to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries but provide 33% more energy density, enabling a longer driving range of at least 400 miles. As a result, an EV equipped with LMR batteries would weigh several hundred pounds less than one using LFP batteries while achieving similar mileage.
GM’s latest electric Chevy and Cadillac models rely on high-nickel batteries, providing a driving range of approximately 300–320 miles. The LMR batteries offer improved space efficiency due to its prismatic design. Unlike cylindrical cells, prismatic batteries are housed in flat, rigid casings, making them easier to manufacture and integrate into EVs.
GM began developing its new battery cells in 2015, constructing prototypes at its technology center. Meanwhile, LG Energy Solution has secured over 200 patents for the technology since 2010.
GM plans to integrate LMR cells into future vehicles as part of a broader strategy to tailor battery types to specific needs. LFP cells will power entry-level EVs, prioritizing affordability over range, while NMCA (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt-Aluminum) cells will be used in high-end models requiring maximum range, like the Cadillac Escalade IQ. LMR falls between these options, balancing cost and performance—a crucial approach for GM, which accounts for 10 of the 74 EVs currently sold in the U.S.
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