GM Pitches New LMR EV Battery On Earth, New EV On The Moon

General Motors is advancing its electric vehicle (EV) battery technology with the development of a new lithium manganese-rich (LMR) battery, anticipated to reach the consumer market by 2028. This innovation promises to deliver a compelling combination of longer range and lower cost, leveraging manganese’s abundance and potential to enhance battery performance. The company has been collaborating with LG Energy Solution for over a decade to overcome technical challenges such as short battery life and voltage decay, positioning GM to be the first automaker to deploy LMR prismatic batteries in EVs, particularly targeting larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks. The LMR battery represents a significant step forward not only in chemistry but also in form factor. Unlike the more common cylindrical or pouch cells, GM’s LMR battery will utilise prismatic cells, which are rectangular and allow for more efficient packaging and potentially better performance. This approach aligns GM with recent trends in battery innovation, including efforts by research institutions like the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, which is developing prismatic cells at scale for grid applications. GM’s Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center is set to begin small-batch testing of these new cells later this year, signalling progress toward commercial viability. In parallel with its terrestrial ambitions, GM is also contributing advanced battery technology to space exploration. Through its GM Defense division, the company is collaborating with Lunar Outpost on the Pegasus lunar rover, part of NASA’s Artemis mission. GM has supplied a nickel cobalt manganese aluminum oxide (NCMA) battery cathode for the rover, showcasing its expertise in high-performance, rechargeable batteries suitable for extreme environments. This involvement not only bolsters GM’s reputation in electrification but also highlights the versatility of its battery innovations across diverse applications. GM’s dual focus on cutting-edge EV batteries for Earth and space underscores its commitment to electrification and innovation. The company’s work on LMR batteries aims to meet growing consumer demand for affordable, long-range electric vehicles, while its participation in lunar exploration projects enhances its technological credentials. As the automotive industry intensifies competition in battery development, GM’s advancements could influence broader adoption of prismatic cell formats and manganese-rich chemistries, potentially reshaping the future landscape of EV powertrains.