GM and LG will produce new, less expensive cells for EVs in the future

DETROIT, May 13 (Reuters) – General Motors (GM) and battery partner LG Energy Solution have announced plans to begin commercial production of lower-cost battery cells for electric vehicles (EVs) at a U.S.-based facility starting in 2028.

The new cells will use lithium manganese-rich (LMR) chemistry, which GM says is more affordable than the nickel-rich cells currently in use, while still delivering the driving range customers expect—particularly in electric trucks and full-size SUVs. Unlike today’s pouch-style cells, the LMR cells will feature a prismatic design, which GM claims will cut the number of parts in battery packs by more than 50%.

As part of its broader EV strategy, GM—now offering 12 electric models—is working to reduce battery costs and achieve price parity between electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The automaker aims to introduce a variety of cell types and chemistries to strike the right balance between cost, range, and performance.

“We're adopting flexible chemistries to find the optimal mix of range, performance, and affordability,” said Kurt Kelty, GM’s Vice President of Battery, Propulsion, and Sustainability, during a media briefing. “My mission is to get as many EVs on the road as possible. Once we achieve cost parity with ICE vehicles, the market will accelerate.”

Production of the new LMR prismatic cells will take place at one of the Ultium Cells plants jointly operated by GM and LG in Ohio or Tennessee. With this technology, GM anticipates offering over 400 miles of range per charge on future electric trucks, while also achieving substantial cost savings.

GM expects to cut its battery pack costs by $30 per kilowatt-hour by 2025, although it has not disclosed its current cost per kWh.

Additionally, GM plans to introduce vehicles powered by lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, which are also more cost-effective than current nickel-based cells. Kelty noted that further details will be shared soon.

While GM hopes to be the first automaker to bring LMR battery technology to market, rival Ford Motor is also actively developing similar battery solutions, as highlighted in a recent blog post by Ford’s director of electrified propulsion engineering.

The detailed article published by www.reuters.com can be accessed from https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/gm-lg-make-new-lower-cost-cells-future-evs-2025-05-13/?utm_source=chatgpt.com