General Motors is accelerating into the electrified future with a bold strategy to make its upcoming trucks and SUVs more affordable and capable than ever. The secret lies in a cutting-edge battery chemistry set to enter commercial production by 2028, developed in collaboration with LG Energy Solution at their Ultium Cells plants in Ohio and Tennessee.

The Battery Breakthrough: Lithium Manganese-Rich (LMR)

●　LMR Chemistry: These batteries are built on a lithium-manganese-rich design, an evolution beyond GM’s current nickel-heavy chemistries. LMR is cobalt-free, reducing reliance on rare and ethically complex materials, while significantly lowering cost.

● Prismatic Cells: Unlike today's pouch-style cells, LMR batteries will adopt a prismatic format. This simpler design slashes pack components by over 50%, bringing production efficiency gains.

Why It Matters: Range, Price, Performance

● 400－Mile Range – With prismatic LMR cells, GM trucks should exceed 400 miles per charge—a leap from current capabilities (~300–320 miles).

● Lower Costs – GM is targeting a reduction of battery-pack costs by around $30/kWh by 2025, aided by LMR’s cheaper material composition. Overall, these savings aim to bring EV pricing in line with gas-powered vehicles.

● Ethical & Stable Materials – Manganese is far more abundant and ethically sourced than cobalt, bolstering supply chain resilience and reducing price volatility

U.S. Innovation & Production in Focus

With battery production located in the U.S. and deepening supply chain partnerships—including agreements for graphite, lithium precursors, and even considerations for U.S.-based cobalt substitutes—GM is strengthening North American EV manufacturing.

GM has already prototyped ~300 full-size LMR cells. Pre-production will begin in late 2027, with the first vehicles hitting roads by 2028.

GM bolstered its battery team with industry experts like Kurt Kelty (ex-Tesla), a move that's helped refine strategies across LFP, LMR, and NMCA chemistries.

With its multi-chemistry strategy, which is centered on the impending LMR discovery, GM intends to hasten the adoption of EVs throughout the United States.  In addition to being strong and long-range, the upcoming generation of electric trucks and SUVs will be reasonably priced to rival conventional gas-powered automobiles by 2028. This evolution marks a pivotal moment in the journey toward accessible, sustainable electric mobility—one that could redefine how we view EV trucks and SUVs in the years ahead.