General Motors has revealed a significant advancement in electric vehicle battery technology that could dramatically alter the EV market landscape. In a recent announcement, GM confirmed plans to commercialize its proprietary Lithium Manganese Rich (LMR) battery cells by 2028 — promising longer range, faster charging, and notably lower costs for future EVs.
The move is a result of nearly a decade of dedicated research and development, in collaboration with LG Energy Solution. The partnership has successfully overcome historical setbacks of LMR chemistry, including short lifespan and voltage decay, by introducing advanced material coatings, dopants, and innovative cell engineering.
Currently, GM’s Chevrolet Silverado EV Work Truck boasts an EPA-rated range of 492 miles and the fastest charging speed in the market at 350 kW. With LMR, GM aims to further enhance these figures while reducing battery pack costs substantially.
Key Highlights of LMR Battery Technology:
- Affordable Chemistry: LMR batteries use approximately 65% manganese and only 35% nickel, virtually eliminating cobalt — making them cheaper and more sustainable compared to the traditional NMCA (Nickel Manganese Cobalt Aluminum) chemistry.
- Higher Energy Density vs. LFP: GM estimates LMR will offer 33% more energy density than Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries at comparable costs.
- Efficient Prismatic Form Factor: Unlike pouch cells, LMR batteries will be produced in rectangular prismatic formats. This allows for better packaging in trucks and SUVs, reducing battery module components by 75% and total pack components by 50%.
- Durability & Stability: Through material optimization and engineering, the new LMR cells are projected to match the lifespan and performance of current high-nickel cells, solving voltage attenuation issues that once plagued this chemistry.
According to GM, testing at its Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center has already spanned over 1.4 million miles in equivalent EV driving. With the development of a new Battery Cell Development Center adjacent to Wallace, the automaker is poised to accelerate the journey from lab to mass production.
“Our in-house R&D and collaborative innovation are bringing EVs closer to mainstream affordability,” said Narayanaswamy. “LMR isn’t just a technical leap — it’s a breakthrough that will redefine what consumers can expect from electric vehicles.”
Commercial production of LMR cells is set to begin in the United States in 2028, positioning GM to be the first automaker to deploy this transformative technology in electric trucks and full-size SUVs.
