General Motors (GM) has revealed a new lithium battery technology called lithium manganese rich (LMR) cathodes, in partnership with LG Energy Solution. LMR has historically been hampered by barriers like short battery life and voltage decay, making it impractical for use in electric vehicles (EV). GM and LG Energy Solution plan to commercialize LMR prismatic battery cells for use in a line of electric trucks and full-size SUVs to be released in 2028. 

GM EV trucks currently use nickel manganese cobalt aluminum oxide (NCMA) battery technology, which offers an extended range. Integrating LMR battery technology will increase efficiency, offering more than 400 miles of range for an electric truck while significantly reducing battery pack costs.

How LMR technology is different:

1. Low Cost: LMR consists primarily of manganese, a mineral cheaper and more plentiful than nickel and cobalt. 

2. Energy Density: GM estimates LMR cells will get 33% more energy density than any popular lower-cost EV battery technology. 

3. “Prismatic” Cells: LMR batteries will be rectangular in shape, unlike the “pouch” cells of current high-nickel packs. This shape makes for efficient packing in full-scale trucks and SUVs. Prismatic cells reduce battery module components by 75% and total pack components by 50%.

4. Lifespan Optimization: GM claims they have solved the issue of voltage loss that is typically seen in LMR battery cells. GM said, in a recent press release, “We’ve worked with our suppliers to optimize the materials in our LMR cells, adding proprietary dopants and coatings, along with particle engineering, process innovations, to achieve the right energy density and arrangement of battery materials inside the cell to keep them stable. The result is that our new LMR cells can match the lifespan of current generation high-nickel cells, with comparable performance but much lower cost.”

5. Intellectual Property: GM and LG Energy Solution have a considerable portfolio of LMR-related intellectual property, with LG holding over 200 LMR-related patents worldwide. 

GM currently makes the Chevrolet Silverado EV Work Truck with Range, the longest-range truck with an EPA-rated 492 miles on a full charge and the fastest-charging truck on the market today.