General Motors (GM) and LG Energy Solution have announced plans to commercialize lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells for GM’s future electric trucks and full-size SUVs. This initiative aims to enhance energy density, reduce costs, and support domestic battery production.
Key Highlights:
- Enhanced Energy Density: The new LMR prismatic cells offer a 33% higher energy density compared to leading lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, enabling over 400 miles of range in GM’s electric trucks.
- Cost Efficiency: By utilizing a higher proportion of manganese—a more affordable and abundant material—the LMR cells reduce reliance on expensive cobalt and nickel, leading to significant battery pack cost savings.
- Manufacturing Simplification: The prismatic cell design simplifies battery pack assembly by reducing component parts by over 50%, enhancing manufacturing efficiency.
- Production Timeline: Pre-production of LMR cells is expected to begin in late 2027 at an LG Energy Solution facility, with commercial production commencing in 2028 at Ultium Cells plants in Ohio and Tennessee.
- Strategic Collaboration: This development builds upon GM and LG Energy Solution’s 14-year partnership and leverages their joint venture, Ultium Cells, to advance battery technology and domestic EV manufacturing.
By pioneering LMR battery technology, GM aims to offer electric vehicles with extended range and improved affordability, accelerating the transition to sustainable transportation.
