General Motors is reassessing its battery technology roadmap for future electric vehicles, with the company now signalling a stronger focus on lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries instead of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells.
The shift marks another evolution in GM’s battery strategy as the automaker seeks to balance affordability, performance, and supply chain security across its expanding electric vehicle portfolio.
GM Shifts Focus Toward LMR Batteries
General Motors initially built its EV battery strategy around nickel-rich NMCA (nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminium) cells before announcing plans to introduce lower-cost LFP battery production at its Spring Hill facility in Tennessee.
However, according to comments from GM Vice President of Batteries Kurt Kelty reported by Reuters, the automaker is now prioritising lithium manganese-rich battery chemistry, which it believes can deliver the cost advantages of LFP technology while providing significantly higher energy density.
Kelty described LMR as GM’s future high-volume battery platform.
“There is a possibility where LFP does not earn its way into our portfolio,” Kelty said.
“That’s where we’re going to be using the big volume.”
Spring Hill Plant to Produce LFP for Energy Storage
Despite the strategic shift, production of LFP cells at the Spring Hill battery facility will begin this month.
However, rather than being used in electric vehicles, the cells are expected to supply stationary energy storage systems.
The decision follows an announcement earlier this year by Ultium Cells, the battery joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution, that part of the Tennessee facility’s output would be redirected toward energy storage applications.
Why GM Sees Potential in LMR
Lithium manganese-rich batteries are considered a promising next-generation battery chemistry because they use larger amounts of manganese, a material that is significantly less expensive than cobalt.
According to GM, LMR technology could offer energy densities roughly 33% higher than LFP batteries while maintaining a similar cost structure.
The chemistry could therefore provide longer driving range without significantly increasing battery costs.
However, several technical hurdles remain before widespread commercialisation, including durability concerns, capacity degradation over time, and limitations in fast-charging performance.
Long-Term Partnership with LG Energy Solution
GM has been developing LMR technology for more than a decade in collaboration with battery partner LG Energy Solution.
In 2024, the companies announced plans to develop a new generation of prismatic LMR battery cells targeted primarily at electric pickup trucks and large SUVs.
The partners expect the technology to become commercially viable around 2028.
LG Energy Solution has also established a significant intellectual property position in the field, reporting more than 200 patents related to LMR technology as of May 2025.
Strengthening North American Supply Chains
Beyond performance and cost benefits, GM views LMR chemistry as strategically important for building a more resilient North American battery supply chain.
The company believes future LMR production could rely heavily on domestically sourced materials, including lithium, graphite and manganese, helping reduce dependence on imported critical minerals.
Current EV Portfolio Remains Diverse
Most of General Motors’ current electric vehicle lineup continues to rely on nickel-rich battery chemistries.
One notable exception is the latest Chevrolet Bolt, which uses LFP battery cells supplied by Chinese battery giant CATL as part of GM’s effort to offer a more affordable electric vehicle option.
As battery technologies continue to evolve, GM’s latest move highlights the growing industry search for chemistries that can simultaneously improve range, lower costs, and strengthen supply chain resilience while supporting mass-market EV adoption.
