General Motors (GM) and LG Energy Solution have announced plans to commercialize lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells for future electric trucks and full-size SUVs. This effort extends their ongoing collaboration on prismatic battery cell formats and related chemistries.
GM is targeting the deployment of LMR batteries in electric vehicles starting in the late 2020s. Ultium Cells, the joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution, expects to begin commercial production of LMR prismatic cells in the United States by 2028.
Pre-production is planned to take place at an LG Energy Solution facility by late 2027. Final production designs will be validated at GM’s Battery Cell Development Center in Warren, Michigan, and at LG Energy Solution’s site.
LMR cells contain a higher proportion of manganese and less cobalt than traditional high-nickel battery chemistries. This shift reduces reliance on more expensive materials while enabling increased energy density and capacity.
According to GM and LG Energy Solution, the new LMR prismatic cell design delivers approximately 33% higher energy density than current lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells at similar cost. These energy and cost efficiencies are intended to support GM’s goal of offering more than 400 miles of range in future electric trucks, while lowering battery pack costs compared to today’s high-nickel configurations.
GM began developing manganese-rich lithium-ion battery cells in 2015 and has since accelerated research through prototyping efforts at its Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center. The company has worked with partners to address performance and durability challenges associated with LMR chemistries by advancing cathode materials, electrolytes, additives, and manufacturing processes.
LG Energy Solution holds over 200 patents related to LMR battery technology, with research in this field dating back to 2010.
Integrating LMR into GM’s battery supply chain supports broader investments in domestic battery production and aims to increase the use of critical materials such as lithium, graphite, and manganese sourced from North America.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News