GM announces a plan to bring new battery chemistry into production for full-size electric pickup trucks and SUVs. GM is working with LG Energy Solutions on new LMR (Lithium Manganese Rich) batteries that can drastically reduce cost and maintain high energy density. This should help the company to reduce the cost of new electric trucks and SUVs by thousands of dollars without compromising on driving range. Let’s dig in!
There is a catch. These new prismatic battery cells will reach production vehicles in 2028. Consumers will need to wait a while for more affordable electric trucks.
This battery work started close to a decade ago. The companies are now close enough that they are ready to announce more precise timing. Production of these batteries is slated to be in the United States. These new LMR batteries consist of 60-70% manganese. Manganese is a lot more accessible and less expensive than cobalt and nickel. The LMR batteries could cost about the same as current LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries that are used in smaller and more affordable EVs. However, the LMR chemistry is about 33% more energy dense than LFP.
GM says that LMR chemistry will allow their electrified full-size trucks to retain or improve their driving range. For example, a 2025 Chevy Silverado EV can be configured to return up to 492 miles of total driving range. The LMR technology should be able to deliver at least that.
It’s currently unclear how much these new batteries will weigh in comparison to the current batteries. Heavy curb weight is an enemy of any vehicle. If these batteries can reduce the price of these new vehicles, maintain power performance, and possible reduce the weight – this is a huge win.
However, we still need to wait until 2028 to be able to purchase vehicles with these new batteries. It means we will have to wait to new or heavily refreshed Chevy Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, GMC Hummer EV, Cadillac Escalade IQ, and possibly other new vehicles.
Other manufacturers are also working to bring LMR batteries to the U.S. market, but GM appears it be leading the timeline.
