GM and LG's breakthrough: new LMR battery could make electric cars much cheaper
General Motors and LG Energy announced the start of commercial operation of lithium-manganese rechargeable (LMR) batteries, which in the future will be used in electric pickup trucks and full-size SUVs. Production of such cells is scheduled to begin in 2028.
Here's What We Know
Today's common batteries for electric vehicles use cathodes based on nickel, manganese and - the most expensive element in this set - cobalt. It is the cost of cobalt that largely contributes to the high price of batteries, and thus the high cost of electric cars.
LMR batteries (Lithium Manganese Rich) solve this problem by using a much higher proportion of cheap manganese and virtually eliminating cobalt. GM says that in the new cells, about 65 per cent of the cathode is manganese and 35 per cent nickel. Cobalt is barely used, unlike current NMCA batteries, which are 85% nickel, 10% manganese, and 5% cobalt).
In addition to the cheaper composition, LMR cells have 33% higher energy density than the best members of the LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery segment at comparable cost.
LG Energy registered its first patent for LMR chemistry in 2010. General Motors has been developing LMR batteries since 2015.
What it will deliver.
The development promises cheaper and lighter batteries capable of providing a range of more than 400 miles (644 kilometres) for electric pickup trucks and SUVs. It is also expected to significantly reduce the cost of the battery pack compared to NMCA batteries.
Right now, a 2025 model year Chevrolet Silverado EV LT Extended Range with a range of 408 miles (657 km) costs from $75,195. New technology could potentially lower the price significantly while maintaining (or even increasing) mileage from a single charge.