GM’s Groundbreaking LMR Battery Cells Could Finally Make EV Trucks Affordable
By sibersegment
Published: May 17, 2025
The EV Affordability Gap Is About to Shrink
For years, one of the biggest hurdles to widespread EV adoption has been cost—particularly when it comes to large electric trucks and SUVs. That’s why General Motors’ recent unveiling of its lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells could be a game-changer for the auto industry.
GM aims to begin using these cells in full-size EVs like the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Cadillac Escalade IQ starting in 2028. And while that’s still a few years away, the implications for affordability, supply chain resilience, and battery performance are massive.
What Are LMR Prismatic Cells?
These new LMR cells are rectangular, rigid battery cells—also known as prismatic cells—that swap out expensive nickel and cobalt in favor of more abundant, lower-cost manganese.
LMR technology isn’t new, but it used to suffer from short lifespans. GM, in partnership with LG Energy Solution, believes it has solved those problems and developed a chemistry that delivers 33% higher energy density than lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cells.
Why It Matters
🚛 Trucks Need Bigger Batteries
EV trucks like the Silverado require huge battery packs. The current model uses a 205-kWh pack made up of 24 modules and 576 pouch cells. With LMR prismatic cells, GM could reduce the module count to just six, streamlining production and cutting weight.
💰 Cost Savings Are Substantial
Nickel and cobalt are expensive and volatile. Manganese is more abundant and affordable. Analysts estimate GM’s LMR packs could cost $80–$90 per kWh, compared to over $125 for today’s packs.
🌎 Domestic Supply Chain Advantage
In 2023, GM invested $85 million in a manganese processing facility in Louisiana, fed by material mined in Australia. This move reduces foreign supply chain dependence and improves U.S. EV battery production resiliency.
Smart Chemistry for Smart Segmentation
GM’s strategy is to match battery types to each vehicle’s needs. Here’s how it breaks down:
| Chemistry | Use Case | Example |
|---|---|---|
| LFP | Entry-level EVs with modest range | 2nd-gen Chevy Bolt EV |
| LMR | Balanced cost and range for large vehicles | Silverado EV, large SUVs |
| NMCA | High-performance, long-range luxury EVs | Cadillac Escalade IQ |
The Road to Production
GM’s Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center in Michigan will begin validation testing in 2027. Over 300 full-size LMR prototypes have already been built, and a dedicated assembly line is under construction.
Fast Charging and Warranty? Still Here.
GM confirmed that EVs using LMR cells will still support DC fast charging and include the 100,000-mile battery warranty offered with current Ultium batteries.
Final Thoughts: A Critical Step Toward EV Parity
If GM delivers on its promises, the Silverado EV and similar vehicles may one day cost the same as their gas-powered counterparts. This innovation could accelerate EV adoption across the U.S., especially in the truck-dominant market.
2028 may feel distant—but the journey to affordable, high-performance EV trucks has already begun.
Have thoughts on GM’s new battery tech or questions about EVs? Drop a comment below or share this blog with a fellow auto enthusiast. ⚡
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