General Motors (GM, Financial) has announced a collaboration with LG Energy Solutions to introduce lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) square batteries, aiming to become the first automaker to deploy these in electric vehicles. This innovative technology is expected to significantly reduce battery costs by using a higher proportion of manganese, which is more affordable than cobalt. LMR batteries offer greater capacity and energy density, with manganese accounting for 60-70% of the cathode, while cobalt is reduced to 0-2% and nickel to 30-40%.
GM claims that the energy density of LMR batteries is 33% higher than that of lithium iron phosphate batteries, offering longer range at comparable costs. The new batteries are expected to enter pre-production by late 2027 at LG's facility, with commercial production slated for 2028 in the U.S. GM plans to use these batteries in full-size electric SUVs and trucks, targeting over 400 miles of range.
Ford also announced plans to launch LMR batteries by 2030, highlighting GM's urgency to lead the market. GM has developed nearly 300 full-size LMR battery prototypes and expects the new technology to reduce vehicle weight by several hundred pounds, cutting battery components by 50%.
Despite previous challenges such as capacity degradation, GM has reportedly overcome these through innovative production processes, ensuring performance stability even under extreme temperatures.
