- GM may limit LFP tech to data storage and use LMR batteries for its EVs.
- Lithium manganese-rich batteries offer a similar range to LFP but cost less.
- A Silverado EV with LMR batteries could cost $6,000 less than an LFP one.
General Motors has revealed it may pivot away from manufacturing lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for its EVs in the US, focusing solely on new lithium manganese-rich (LMR) cells.
The Detroit giant has spent years developing LMR batteries, and the original plan called for building them next to conventional LFP cells. However, following recent confirmation that GM’s Tennessee battery plant with LG Energy Solution will now produce only LFP batteries for grid and data center customers rather than for cars, GM is doubling down on its pursuit of an LMR future.
Read: 700 Laid-Off Workers Rehired As GM Changes What Its Battery Plant Builds
While speaking with Reuters, GM battery chief Kurt Kelty described the LMR as the “workhorse” for GM, noting it will cost about the same as an LFP pack but store more energy while weighing roughly the same. “There is a possibility where LFP does not earn its way into our portfolio,” Kelty added. “That’s where we’re going to be using the big volume.”
Same Range, Cheaper Price
The vast majority of EVs released by GM in recent years have used nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries, offering improved range over LFPs but not as well suited for charging to 100 percent capacity. The new Chevrolet Bolt is an exception to this, using LFP batteries sourced from Chinese battery behemoth CATL.
Moving forward, Kelty told TechCrunch that NMC batteries will be restricted to high-end GM vehicles, whereas LMR ones will be better suited to more affordable models. For the Chevrolet Silverado EV, which is currently equipped with an NMC battery, GM says an LMR battery of similar weight and size could retain the same 400-mile range while reducing the vehicle’s cost by at least $6,000.
“That is really going to be our bread and butter,” Kelty said when speaking about the LMR battery. “That is going to be our main product line.” Finally, it’s worth noting that GM isn’t alone in developing LMR batteries, as cross-town rival Ford is doing the same.
