Calling it a new battery technology breakthrough, General Motors and LG Energy Solution will commercialize lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells for future GM electric trucks and full-size SUVs.

According to a joint press release from the companies, battery cathodes require materials like cobalt, nickel, and manganese, with cobalt being the most expensive.

GM and LG contend that LMR battery cells use a higher proportion of more affordable manganese while delivering greater capacity and energy density.

Battery engineers at GM and LG have developed a new LMR prismatic battery cell that unlocks 33% higher energy density compared to the best-performing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) based cells at a comparable cost, according to the release.

GM’s electric truck platform has segment-leading range using high-nickel chemistry today, and by integrating LMR battery technology plus the manufacturing and space efficiency benefits of prismatic cells, GM aims to offer more than 400 miles of range in an electric truck, the release says. GM says that would also achieve significant battery pack cost savings compared to today’s high-nickel pack.

According to the release, the development builds on a partnership between the two companies to develop prismatic battery cell technology and related chemistries.

GM aims to become the first automaker to deploy LMR batteries in EVs. Ultium Cells, a GM and LG Energy Solution joint venture, plans to start commercial production of LMR prismatic cells in the United States by 2028, with pre-production slated to begin at an LG Energy Solution facility by late 2027.

The final production design of the LMR battery cells will be validated at GM’s Battery Cell Development Center in Warren, Michigan, which is also planned to open in 2027, as well as LG Energy Solution’s facility.

“We’re pioneering manganese-rich battery technology to unlock premium range and performance at an affordable cost, especially in electric trucks,” said Kurt Kelty, GM’s VP of battery, propulsion, and sustainability, in the release. “As we look to engineer the ideal battery for each vehicle in our diverse EV portfolio, LMR will complement our high-nickel and iron-phosphate solutions to expand customer choice in the truck and full-size SUV markets, advance American battery innovation, and create jobs well into the future.”

GM began researching manganese-rich lithium-ion battery cells in 2015 and prototyping LMR cells at its Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center in Warren. In collaboration with partners, GM engineers advanced cathode materials, electrolytes, additives, form factors, and cell assembly processes to overcome LMR’s legacy challenges in performance and durability.

“We’re excited to introduce the first-ever LMR prismatic cells for EVs, the culmination of our decades-long research and investment in the technology,” said Wonjoon Suh, LG Energy Solution’s executive VP and Advanced Automotive Battery division head, in the release. “GM’s future trucks powered by this new chemistry are a strong example of our shared commitment to offering diverse EV options to consumers.”

According to the release, LG Energy Solution holds the largest LMR technology IP portfolio globally, having secured over 200 patents in the technology field, including its first patent on LMR chemistry in 2010.

GM says LMR battery technology integrates into its battery supply chain and cell manufacturing processes, reinforcing strategic investments in domestic battery production and the responsible sourcing of critical materials like lithium, graphite, and manganese from North America.

Images

Featured image: An employee holds a full-size prototype LMR battery cell at the General Motors Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center in Warren, Michigan. (Photo by Steve Fecht for General Motors)