GM and LGES want to launch LMR battery cells on the market
The prismatic LMR cells are to be used primarily in GM’s electric pick-ups and large SUVs. Ultium Cells, the joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution, plans to start commercial production of prismatic LMR cells in the USA by 2028, with pre-series production scheduled to start as early as the end of 2027.
The announcement by GM and LGES comes shortly after GM rival Ford declared its intention to integrate LMR cell chemistry into its electric cars within this decade. Ford claims to have recently achieved a ‘breakthrough’ with this cell chemistry at its Ion Park battery development centre in Michigan.
The partnership between GM and LG Energy Solution is based on years of joint research. GM has been researching manganese-rich lithium-ion cells since 2015 and has intensively advanced these developments at its own Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Centre in Warren, Michigan. LG Energy Solution contributes its extensive experience in battery technology and holds the world’s largest intellectual property in the field of LMR technology, with over 200 patents. The first patent entry dates back to 2010.
LMR cell chemistry (lithium-manganese-rich) is a further development of classic lithium-ion technology and is characterised by a high manganese content in the cathode, whereby manganese is significantly cheaper than cobalt. At the same time, LMR cells offer a 33 per cent higher energy density than conventional lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells at a similar cost. With LMR batteries, it should be possible to achieve a range of over 400 miles (around 640 kilometres) in an electric pick-up, while at the same time significantly reducing battery production costs.
The use of prismatic cells brings additional advantages in terms of production and space utilisation. GM sees this as a decisive building block for optimising its EV platforms, which already impress with their long ranges and powerful nickel-based batteries.
Kurt Kelty, Vice President for Batteries, Powertrains and Sustainability at GM, emphasises the importance of this development: “We’re pioneering manganese-rich battery technology to unlock premium range and performance at an affordable cost, especially in electric trucks.” LMR cells are not intended to replace existing cell chemistries, but to complement them and expand the variety of models available to customers.
LG Energy Solution was also convinced: “We’re excited to introduce the first-ever LMR prismatic cells for EVs, the culmination of our decades-long research and investment in the technology,” said Wonjoon Suh, Vice President and Head of the Advanced Automotive Battery Division.
In addition to technological advantages, GM also emphasises the strategic importance for the North American battery market. The new LMR technology will be seamlessly integrated into the existing supply chain and backed by domestic sources of lithium, graphite and manganese. This emphasises GM’s goal of promoting sustainable and locally anchored battery production in the USA.
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