Batteries Boost EVs

New Battery Tech

General Motors and LG Energy are shaking things up in the electric vehicle world with their announcement to utilize lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries by 2028. This is a game-changer for electric trucks and full-size SUVs, as it promises to enhance performance without breaking the bank.

The Battery Challenge

Traditional EV batteries rely heavily on nickel and cobalt, materials that drive up costs and make electric cars a pricey purchase for the average buyer. By opting for LMR battery cells, GM is looking to use more manganese, which is significantly cheaper and still maintains high efficiency. This approach not only reduces dependency on expensive cobalt but also provides a 33% improvement in energy density over current lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.

What to Expect

With these new batteries, one can anticipate over 400 miles of range on a single charge, significantly lowering the overall cost of battery packs. Compare this to the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV, which sports a range of up to 408 miles and starts at $75,195. The potential cost savings are substantial, which could make electric trucks more accessible to a broader market.

Road Feel

Driving with the new LMR batteries might feel as advanced as it sounds. Electric trucks and SUVs powered by these batteries are expected to offer smooth rides with robust power delivery. Unlike heavy traditional battery setups, LMR batteries are designed to be lighter yet more efficient, which usually translates to better handling and quicker accelerations. That could mean an EV truck that doesn’t just rival its fossil-fueled competitors in range and power, but also in agility and driving joy.

Future Outlook

According to Kushal Narayanaswamy, GM’s director of advanced battery cell engineering, the transition to manganese-centric batteries could revolutionize the landscape of electric vehicles. With a composition of roughly 65% manganese and 35% nickel, these batteries mark a departure from the current 85% nickel, 10% manganese, and 5% cobalt mix in use today. Such changes could significantly bring down the rarity and cost issues associated with high-nickel packs.

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This HTML document provides a straightforward exploration of the upcoming lithium manganese-rich batteries GM and LG are developing. The emphasis on shifting away from expensive materials without compromising performance highlights a promising shift in the EV landscape. The new batteries offer the potential for electric vehicles that not only match current models in range and cost-effectiveness but excel in driving dynamics.