South Korea’s LG Energy Solution Ltd. has partnered with U.S. auto giant General Motors Co. to commercialize next-generation lithium manganese-rich (LMR) battery technology by 2028.

The collaboration aims to solidify both companies’ leadership in battery innovation and expand their foothold in the key North American electric vehicle (EV) market.

According to GM’s announcement on Wednesday, the two companies will jointly develop prismatic LMR battery cells, with plans to begin commercial production by 2028 for use in large electric sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and trucks.

The technology development will be completed by 2027 at Ultium Cells, the two firms’ joint battery venture in the U.S.

LMR batteries mark a departure from the conventional nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) chemistries that have dominated the EV battery space.

Instead of relying heavily on expensive and supply-constrained metals like nickel and cobalt, LMR batteries more than double the manganese content—reaching 60 to 65 percent—while reducing nickel and cobalt.

Manganese is both low-cost and widely available globally, making it a more stable and sustainable material choice.

Boosting manganese content also has safety benefits.

Higher manganese ratios are structurally stable, lowering the risk of thermal runaway events and improving overall battery safety.

These advantages come without compromising affordability, offering automakers a competitive edge in cost-efficiency.

LMR batteries have struggled with limitations such as low energy density and voltage fade.

However, LG Energy Solution and GM believe they have addressed these weaknesses through several years of co-development.

The current generation under development reportedly offers 33 percent higher energy density than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, meaning more power can be packed into the same volume.

The companies have made progress in optimizing particle structure design, applying high-stability coatings, and fine-tuning manufacturing processes.

GM also noted that LG Energy Solution holds more than 200 patents related to LMR technology, dating back to 2010.

These patents will form the basis for the new battery platform.

Rather than a typical supplier-client arrangement, the two companies plan to deepen their collaboration across design, engineering, and production, establishing a vertically integrated supply chain.

The LMR battery’s strengths extend beyond performance and cost.

It also offers environmental advantages thanks to its composition, which includes several highly recyclable metals such as lithium and nickel.

The lithium content in an LMR cell is around eight percent—four times higher than the roughly two percent in LFP cells—enhancing its recyclability and potential value in a circular economy.

GM plans to first deploy the LMR battery in flagship electric models like the Chevrolet Silverado EV truck and the Cadillac Escalade IQ. These vehicles are expected to achieve more than 600 kilometers on a single charge, addressing consumer demand for long-range performance at competitive prices.

“We aim to lead the way in LMR battery technology, delivering premium range and performance at an affordable cost, especially for electric trucks,” said Kurt Kelty, GM’s vice president of batteries.

For LG Energy Solution, the partnership with GM underscores a broader strategy to weather rising protectionism and regulatory volatility in the U.S. market.

With supply chain localization becoming a top priority under President Donald Trump’s tariff regime and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), LG has been actively expanding its alliances with major automakers including Hyundai, Honda, and Stellantis.

The goal is to ensure compliance with evolving regulations while maintaining technological differentiation.

Analysts view this move as part of a long-term blueprint to prepare for a rebound in the EV sector, which has recently shown signs of slowing.

By staking an early claim in advanced battery technologies, GM and LG aim to seize both technical and commercial leadership as the market regains momentum.

Ultium Cells is currently operating its first factory in Ohio and a second in Tennessee, with plans to ramp up LMR battery production once development is complete.

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