General Motors (GM) and LG Energy Solution are set to commercialize lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells for future GM electric trucks and full-size SUVs. This marks a significant breakthrough in battery technology, building on their longstanding partnership to develop advanced cell chemistries and prismatic formats. It also continues GM’s legacy of innovation, which includes the small-block V8 engine, OnStar, and hands-free Super Cruise.
GM is aiming to become the first automaker to use LMR batteries in electric vehicles. Their joint venture, Ultium Cells, plans to start commercial production of LMR prismatic cells in the U.S. by 2028, with pre-production starting at an LG Energy Solution facility in late 2027. The production-ready design of the LMR cells will be validated at GM’s new Battery Cell Development Center in Warren, Michigan, and at LG’s facility.
These prismatic LMR cells offer a key advantage in materials: while battery cathodes typically rely on expensive cobalt, LMR chemistry emphasizes manganese—a more affordable material—while still increasing capacity and energy density. The new LMR prismatic battery cells developed by GM and LG boast 33% higher energy density than top-performing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, while maintaining comparable costs.
Boost for future GM EVs
Currently, GM’s electric truck platform features a high-nickel chemistry that delivers segment-leading range. With the integration of LMR technology and the packaging benefits of prismatic cells, GM targets more than 400 miles of range for its electric trucks, along with major cost savings on battery packs compared to existing high-nickel versions.
GM’s research into manganese-rich lithium-ion batteries began in 2015, and the company has since accelerated development at its Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center in Warren. In partnership with LG, engineers have addressed historic challenges with LMR technology by refining cathode materials, electrolytes, cell formats, and manufacturing processes.
LG Energy Solution brings extensive expertise, holding over 200 global patents in LMR technology, with its earliest patent dating back to 2010. This deep IP portfolio strengthens the collaboration and ensures a strong foundation for scaling LMR cell production.
The integration of LMR battery technology aligns with GM’s broader strategy to bolster its domestic battery supply chain and reduce reliance on imported critical materials. By sourcing lithium, graphite, and manganese from North America, GM continues to invest in a more resilient and responsible EV manufacturing ecosystem.
