General Motors, in collaboration with LG Energy Solution, is set to revolutionize the electric truck market with their jointly developed lithium manganese rich (LMR) battery chemistry. This innovative battery technology promises to deliver extended driving ranges and reduce the overall cost of electric trucks. The first GM models equipped with these LMR batteries are slated to hit the roads in 2028, marking a significant milestone in the company’s electrification strategy. This move underscores GM’s commitment to not only produce electric vehicles but also to enhance their performance and affordability, making them more accessible to a wider consumer base. The development of LMR batteries is a strategic response to the evolving demands of the EV market, where range anxiety and cost remain significant barriers to adoption. By focusing on these key areas, GM aims to accelerate the transition to electric mobility and solidify its position as a leader in the automotive industry.
The upcoming GMC Sierra EV, one of the models that could benefit from the new LMR battery technology.
The development of the LMR battery chemistry is a strategic move by GM to capture the best aspects of both NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) and LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) batteries. While NMC batteries are known for their high energy density and range, LFP batteries offer cost advantages. GM’s LMR batteries aim to bridge this gap. GM estimates that electric trucks equipped with LMR batteries will achieve a range exceeding 400 miles. While the exact cost savings remain undisclosed, GM indicates that the cost per kilowatt-hour will be comparable to LFP batteries, with a 33% improvement in energy density. This enhanced energy density allows for smaller, lighter battery packs without sacrificing range, addressing a key concern for electric vehicle performance. The current Chevy Silverado EV Work Truck, for example, boasts an impressive 492 miles of range thanks to its massive 205-kWh battery. However, this large battery pack adds significant weight, impacting handling and efficiency. The LMR batteries, designed in a large prismatic format, promise a reduction in pack-level parts by 50%, simplifying the structure and cutting down on weight. This is crucial, as Kurt Kelty, VP of battery, propulsion and sustainability at GM, emphasizes that LMR technology will be instrumental in expanding the electric truck market and making it more accessible to consumers. By reducing the number of modules required in a battery pack from 24 to just six, LMR batteries can potentially save “hundreds of pounds,” improving vehicle dynamics and overall efficiency.
| Battery Chemistry | Typical Range | Cost per kWh | Energy Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) | High | Higher | High |
| LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) | Lower | Lower | Lower |
| LMR (Lithium Manganese Rich) | 400+ miles (Estimated) | Comparable to LFP | 33% higher than LFP |
While LMR battery chemistry represents an evolution rather than a complete departure from existing technologies, its composition is strategically designed to leverage cost-effective and readily available materials. LMR is a variant of NMC, but with a significantly reduced proportion of nickel and cobalt, two of the most expensive and challenging-to-source components in battery production. Instead, LMR relies heavily on manganese, a more abundant and cheaper material. Traditional NMC batteries typically contain roughly equal parts of nickel, cobalt, and manganese (approximately 33% each). In contrast, high-nickel variants push cobalt content down to as little as 5% while increasing nickel to around 85%. GM’s LMR formula inverts this ratio, aiming for a composition of 0-2% cobalt, 30-40% nickel, and 60-70% manganese, with the manganese being locally processed. GM has been proactive in securing its supply chain for LMR battery production. Since accelerating LMR cell development in 2020, the company invested $85 million in manganese supplier Element 25 in 2023. GM plans to process these materials in the U.S. at a facility in Louisiana, although the raw material was initially sourced from Australia. As of 2025, GM reports that these LMR cells have undergone extensive testing in its R&D labs, equivalent to 1.5 million miles of EV driving. According to Kurt Kelty, this battery technology is a “game-changing” development for electric trucks, setting a new benchmark for performance in this critical vehicle segment. With LG Energy Solution as a partner, GM is confident that the technology is viable and ready for application in upcoming electric trucks.
GM and LG Energy Solution’s lithium manganese rich prismatic cell at its Wallace Battery Innovation Center in Warren, Michigan. Photo by: General Motors
