General Motors (GM) and LG Energy Solution (LGES) are taking a dual-track approach to battery innovation—advancing next-generation EV technology while rapidly expanding energy storage capabilities in North America.
LMR Battery Breakthrough Targets 400+ Mile Electric Trucks
In a major step forward, GM and LG Energy Solution plan to commercialize lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells for future electric trucks and full-size SUVs.
The companies aim to begin pre-production by late 2027, with full-scale production in the U.S. by 2028 through their joint venture, Ultium Cells.
The new LMR chemistry represents a significant leap in performance and cost efficiency. By increasing the proportion of manganese—a more affordable material compared to cobalt and nickel—engineers have achieved 33% higher energy density than leading lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, while maintaining comparable costs.
This innovation could enable over 400 miles of range in GM’s electric trucks, while reducing battery pack costs compared to today’s high-nickel solutions.
The final production design will be validated at GM’s upcoming Battery Cell Development Center in Warren, Michigan, alongside LG Energy Solution facilities. The companies have been refining LMR technology since 2015, overcoming past challenges in durability and performance through advancements in cathodes, electrolytes, and cell design.
Notably, LG Energy Solution holds more than 200 patents in LMR technology, underscoring its leadership in this emerging field.
Ultium Cells Expands into Energy Storage with LFP Batteries
At the same time, Ultium Cells LLC is diversifying beyond EVs by investing $70 million to retool its Spring Hill, Tennessee facility for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery production dedicated to Energy Storage Systems (ESS).
Production is expected to begin in Q2 2026, with cells supplied to LG Energy Solution Vertech, the company’s U.S. energy storage division. These batteries will be integrated into large-scale storage systems designed for grid infrastructure and data centers across North America.
The move reflects a broader shift in the battery market. While high-energy-density chemistries dominate EVs, LFP has become the preferred choice for stationary storage due to its lower cost and durability.
Meeting Growing Demand for Grid-Scale Energy Storage
Energy storage systems are becoming essential as electricity demand rises—driven by population growth, renewable energy adoption, and the rapid expansion of AI-powered data centers.
Battery-based ESS solutions help stabilize the grid, store excess energy from renewables like wind and solar, and reduce infrastructure bottlenecks. Compared to traditional solutions like pumped hydro, battery storage offers greater flexibility and faster deployment.
LG Energy Solution plans to scale its global ESS battery capacity to over 60 GWh, with more than 80% located in North America. The Spring Hill facility will join a growing regional network that includes sites in Michigan and Ontario, as well as joint ventures like L-H Battery Company.
A Flexible, Future-Proof Battery Strategy
Together, these developments highlight a key advantage of the Ultium platform: manufacturing flexibility across multiple chemistries. From high-nickel EV batteries to LMR innovations and cost-effective LFP solutions, GM and LG Energy Solution are positioning themselves to adapt quickly as market demands evolve.
This strategy not only strengthens their competitive edge in EVs but also opens new opportunities in energy storage—an increasingly critical sector in the transition to electrification.
