Overview

• General Motors and LG Energy Solution have announced a finalized lithium manganese-rich (LMR) battery chemistry, offering 33% higher energy density than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells at comparable costs.
• The LMR cells, designed in a prismatic format, will reduce battery pack parts by 50%, cutting weight and simplifying assembly for greater efficiency.
• GM has prototyped 300 full-size LMR cells, testing them to the equivalent of 1.5 million miles of driving, and plans preproduction in late 2027, with full-scale production in 2028 via the Ultium Cells joint venture.
• The new chemistry significantly minimizes reliance on expensive cobalt and nickel, utilizing 60–70% manganese, 30–40% nickel, and 0–2% cobalt, with a focus on localizing materials in North America.
• Targeting electric trucks and SUVs, the LMR batteries are expected to provide over 400 miles of range while lowering costs, positioning GM ahead of competitors like Ford, which plans LMR adoption by 2030.