GM Aims to Be First to Develop ‘LMR’ EV Batteries With More Range, Same Price

General Motors plans to become the first to commercialize a little-known type of EV battery that could unlock more range for the same price by 2028.

Called lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries, the packs use “a higher proportion of more affordable manganese, while also delivering greater capacity and energy density,” GM says.

GM’s focus is improving range in large vehicles, particularly big trucks and full-sized SUVs. These heavy vehicles can lose range quickly, especially when towing, which is one of their main use cases. LMR packs could put their performance on-par with their gas counterparts, thanks to 33% higher energy density “at a comparable cost.” That’s compared with other battery chemistries available today, particularly lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells.

A battery breakthrough like this aims to make EV trucks with over 400 miles of range the new normal. Right now, only a few are able to achieve that number and for a high price. The Rivian R1T with a Max Pack battery gets 410 miles, and the GM Chevy Silverado EV truck gets up to a 450-mile range, both for around $100,000.

GM is partnering with LG Energy Solutions, which holds over 200 patents related to LMR technology IP, with its first going back to 2010. GM says it began researching the batteries in 2015, and has been “accelerating” development by prototyping cells at its Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center in Michigan.

The two companies plan to commercialize the packs by 2028, with “pre-production” expected to begin at an LG Energy Solution facility by late 2027.

“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,” says Wonjoon Suh, executive VP and head of the Advanced Automotive Battery division at LG Energy Solution. “GM’s future trucks powered by this new chemistry are a strong example of our shared commitment to offering diverse EV options to consumers.”

There are many up-and-coming battery chemistries in the works, but this is the first time we’ve heard a major brand invest in LMR. Chinese EV powerhouse CATL is investing in the first sodium-ion battery. In the US, a few companies are working on solid state batteries, silicon batteries, lithium-sulfur, and more.

All new battery chemistries aim to solve the biggest issues today, including high cost, heaviness, range loss, and lifespan issues. All could meaningfully change how consumers use EVs, and help put traditional gas-powered engines in the past, or at least lower costs substantially.

About Emily Forlini

Senior Reporter

I’m the expert at PCMag for all things electric vehicles and AI. I’ve written hundreds of articles on these topics, including product reviews, daily news, CEO interviews, and deeply reported features. I also cover other topics within the tech industry, keeping a pulse on what technologies are coming down the pipe that could shape how we live and work.

Read Emily’s full bio

Read the latest from Emily Forlini