Traditionally, battery cathodes require materials such as cobalt, manganese and nickel. LMR battery cells use a higher proportion of more affordable manganese, while also delivering greater capacity and energy density.

The new LMR prismatic battery cell developed by GM and LG engineers unlocks 33 percent higher energy density compared to conventional lithium iron phosphate-based cells, at a comparable cost.

“We’re pioneering manganese-rich battery technology to unlock premium range and performance at an affordable cost, especially in electric trucks,” says Kurt Kelty, vice president of battery, propulsion and sustainability at GM. “As we look to engineer the ideal battery for each vehicle in our diverse EV portfolio, LMR will complement our high-nickel and iron-phosphate solutions to expand customer choice in the truck and full-size SUV markets, advance American battery innovation and create jobs well into the future.”

“We’re excited to introduce the first-ever LMR prismatic cells for EVs, the culmination of our decades-long research and investment in the technology,” adds Wonjoon Suh, executive vice president and head of the advanced automotive battery division at LG Energy Solution. “GM’s future trucks powered by this new chemistry are a strong example of our shared commitment to offering diverse EV options to consumers.”

Engineers have been intrigued by LMR technology since the 1990s, attracted by the potential for a new class of batteries that feature impressive range and affordable pricing. However, there are currently no EVs with LMR batteries on the road, because of technical barriers such as voltage decay.

“With a typical high nickel battery cell, the chemical composition is roughly 85 percent nickel, 10 percent manganese and 5 percent cobalt,” says Kushal Narayanaswamy, Ph.D., director of advanced battery cell engineering at GM. “The composition of LMR cells is much different: Around 35 percent nickel, 65 percent manganese and virtually no cobalt.

“Manganese is cheaper and more plentiful than either nickel or cobalt,” claims Narayanaswamy. “The material in these cells is much less expensive. The chemistry also lends itself well to larger cell sizes, which further reduces system cost, with fewer connective and structural elements in a battery pack.

“With LMR, we’re going to build prismatic cells, which are rectangular in shape, rather than the pouch cells that lie at the heart of current high nickel packs,” explains Narayanaswamy. “That makes them substantially more efficient to package in full-scale trucks and SUVs.

“Prismatic cells reduce both the number of required parts and the percentage of non-active materials,” Narayanaswamy points out. “More specifically, prismatic cells reduce battery module components by 75 percent and total pack components by 50 percent.”