General Motors is set to launch a new “groundbreaking” EV battery technology designed to dramatically reduce costs and increase profitability for its electric SUVs and trucks. The technology involves lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells, which will be used in vehicles like the Chevrolet Silverado and Escalade IQ starting in 2028. These new batteries leverage more abundant and affordable minerals like manganese, replacing the costlier cobalt and nickel typically found in current EV batteries.
The shift to LMR technology promises several advantages, including a lighter, more cost-effective battery pack with fewer components. GM claims that these batteries will offer superior energy density, providing additional range at a comparable cost to current technologies. The automaker also anticipates that these batteries will contribute to reducing the overall weight of its electric vehicles, enhancing efficiency.
GM’s innovation comes as part of its larger strategy to dominate the electric vehicle market. By partnering with LG Energy Solution, GM is developing the LMR technology, with plans for commercial production beginning in 2028. This move positions GM to potentially lead the market in EV battery production, a key factor in the company’s ongoing transition to an all-electric future.
The LMR batteries are expected to enhance the range and performance of GM’s large electric vehicles, addressing consumer concerns about cost and range—two of the biggest hurdles to EV adoption. In addition, the company anticipates that these new batteries will help further reduce the overall cost of EVs, bringing electric trucks into a more accessible price range for consumers.
As part of its larger electrification strategy, GM continues to push forward with ambitious plans to become a leader in EV manufacturing. The introduction of LMR battery cells marks a significant milestone in GM’s electric vehicle development, which has been rapidly gaining momentum in recent years. The company is confident that these innovations will help shape the future of electric transportation, making GM a key player in the EV market for years to come.
