A major car brand has revealed new details of an electric battery which could deliver hundreds of miles of zero emission range for low costs.
General Motors and LG Energy Solution have developed new lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells for GM's electric SUVs and trucks.
The "battery technology breakthrough" has been backed by the American manufacturing giant, which became the first automaker to deploy LMR batteries in EVs.
The joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution, known as Ultium Cells, will begin commercial production in the United States by 2028.
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The new batteries could deliver 400 miles of battery range at an affordable price
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GM said it aims to offer more than 400 miles of electric range in its full-size SUVs and trucks, while slashing prices compared to the costs associated with today's high-nickel packs.
Engineers at GM and LG Energy Solution said the LMR battery cells unlock 33 per cent higher energy density compared to the best-performing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries at a comparable cost.
Kurt Kelty, VP of battery, propulsion, and sustainability at GM, said: "We're pioneering manganese-rich battery technology to unlock premium range and performance at an affordable cost, especially in electric trucks."
He noted that the brand looked to "engineer the ideal battery for each vehicle in our diverse EV portfolio", with hopes it will boost customer choice.
Kelty also praised the development of the new battery cells for advancing American battery innovation, in addition to creating new jobs.
The final design of the LMR battery cells will be completed at GM's Battery Cell Development Centre in Warren, Michigan, which is set to open in 2027.
Wonjoon Suh, executive VP and head of the Advanced Automotive Battery division at LG Energy Solution, also praised the new partnership and EV breakthrough.
He added: "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.
"GM's future trucks powered by this new chemistry are a strong example of our shared commitment to offering diverse EV options to consumers."
Battery cathodes used in electric vehicles require materials like cobalt, nickel and manganese, with cobalt typically being the most expensive.
However, the new LMR battery cells use a higher proportion of manganese, which is more affordable.
GM and LG Energy Solution said this higher proportion delivers greater capacity and energy density.
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GM said it aimed to get the LMR battery into full-scale production by 2028
GENERAL MOTORS
General Motors, which owns Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac, already sells a number of large electric SUVs for its American customer base.
Any electric vehicles sold by GM are covered by its battery warranty, which covers motorists for eight years, or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
