General Motors and LG Energy Solution have announced a plan to commercialize lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells for upcoming GM electric trucks and full-size SUVs. The collaboration builds on an existing partnership to develop prismatic cell formats and advance related chemistries, reinforcing GM’s legacy of innovation in automotive technology.
Ultium Cells, the joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution, is targeting U.S. commercial production of LMR prismatic cells by 2028, with pre-production slated to begin at an LG Energy Solution facility in late 2027. Final cell designs will undergo validation at GM’s Battery Cell Development Center in Warren, Michigan, expected to open earlier that year, alongside evaluations at LG’s manufacturing site.
LMR battery cells increase the proportion of manganese—a more abundant and lower-cost material compared to cobalt—while delivering higher capacity and energy density. According to GM and LG Energy Solution engineers, the new prismatic LMR cells achieve roughly 33% greater energy density than leading lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells at similar cost structures.
Currently, GM’s electric truck platform uses high-nickel chemistry to lead its segment in range. By shifting to prismatic LMR cells, GM plans to exceed 400 miles of range in future electric trucks, while reducing battery pack costs relative to today’s high-nickel configurations.
“We’re pioneering manganese-rich battery technology to unlock premium range and performance at an affordable cost, especially in electric trucks,” said Kurt Kelty, GM vice president of battery, propulsion, and sustainability. “LMR will complement our high-nickel and iron-phosphate solutions to expand customer choice in the truck and full-size SUV markets.”
Wonjoon Suh, executive vice president and head of LG Energy Solution’s Advanced Automotive Battery division, added, “GM’s future trucks powered by this new chemistry are a strong example of our shared commitment to offering diverse EV options to consumers.”
GM first explored manganese-rich lithium-ion cells in 2015, advancing LMR development at its Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center. LG Energy Solution holds more than 200 patents in LMR technology globally, with its earliest LMR patent dating to 2010. The collaboration supports U.S. battery manufacturing goals and emphasizes responsible sourcing of critical materials such as lithium, graphite, and manganese.
