General Motors battery tech dude Steven Petty Jr. is all about aligning electrodes on an anode sample for a prototype LMR battery cell. The pic was snapped by Steve Fecht for General Motors in Warren, Michigan.
GM is gearing up to launch some new fancy EV battery tech that they claim will cut costs and amp up profits for their big ol’ electric SUVs and trucks. The automaker is setting its sights on these new batteries and the chemistry inside them — known as lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells — to be used in their full-size electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Silverado and Escalade IQ, starting in 2028.
These new batteries are ditching the pricey cobalt and nickel for more common and cheaper minerals like magnesium. Different EV battery chemistries can affect a whole bunch of things like range, safety, energy efficiency, and charging capabilities. Kurt Kelty, GM’s VP of battery stuff, says the LMR batteries will bring top-notch range and performance without breaking the bank. Sounds like a win-win for electric trucks, right?
So, GM is all pumped up about being the first to roll out these LMR batteries, especially after Ford said they’re gonna do the same thing before 2030. The GM crew has been working hard to crack the code on these batteries, teaming up with LG Energy Solution to make it happen. And it looks like they’re on track to start cranking out these LMR prismatic cells in the US by 2028.
Now, let’s talk shapes. Prismatic cells are all about that square battery life, while GM has been using rectangular “pouch” cells in the US and cylindric cells in China. GM started looking into manganese-rich lithium-ion batteries back in 2015, and they’ve been going full speed ahead with the tech ever since. The plan is for these new batteries to trim some serious weight from their big EVs, with 50% fewer parts and modules in the mix. Sounds like a solid plan to me!
GM is expecting these LMR batteries to pack a punch with 33% higher energy density, giving their EVs some extra miles without costing an arm and a leg. While they’re keeping mum on the exact price tag, they did manage to shave off $60 per kilowatt-hour last year. And for comparison’s sake, the average cost of EV battery packs dropped by 20% to $115 per kilowatt-hour in 2024. So, it seems like GM is on the right track with these new batteries.
Overall, GM is pretty stoked about this LMR battery situation. They’re hoping it’ll make EVs more appealing to consumers by addressing cost and range concerns. And hey, who wouldn’t want more bang for their buck when it comes to electric trucks? Looks like GM is making moves in the right direction with their electrification plans. Let’s see where this journey takes them!
