Revealed: GM’s Radical New LMR Batteries Could Crush Costs and Supercharge EV Range by 2027
General Motors and LG Energy Solution team up to launch lithium manganese-rich batteries, targeting longer range and lower EV prices. Here’s what’s next.
- 300,000 EVs sold in US Q1 2025—a record, up 11.4% year over year
- 492 miles: Silverado EV’s record-breaking max range
- 50% cut: New prismatic cells slash battery pack components in half
- $1,500/year: Average savings in fuel and maintenance for EV owners
Detroit is buzzing—and once again, so is General Motors. The legendary automaker just pulled the curtain on its most anticipated battery breakthrough in a decade. GM’s next-gen lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries, co-developed with LG Energy Solution, are on track to hit the market by the end of this decade. If successful, these batteries could upend the industry, making electric vehicles (EVs) cheaper, longer-ranged, and more accessible than ever.
What’s So Special About GM’s New LMR Battery?
Most EVs on the road today rely on familiar lithium-ion chemistries like nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) or the more cost-effective lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP). However, GM’s engineers have spent years quietly supercharging the LMR formula. While past attempts at LMR tech hit roadblocks with quick voltage loss and subpar lifespan, a 2025 update combines particle engineering, advanced coatings, and clever dopants to overcome these snags.
GM claims their LMR cathode will deliver “impressive range” and a significantly lower price per kilowatt-hour than current NMC or LFP batteries. That means EVs—like the new Chevy Equinox EV, which already starts at $33,600—could soon become even more affordable, accelerating the move away from gasoline.
How Do LMR Batteries Outshine the Competition?
While many rivals tinker with everything from potassium to—you read that right—cow hair, GM’s collaboration with LG Energy Solution gives them a practical head start. The crucial twist is the shift to a prismatic cell design. Unlike the common soft pouch shapes, prismatic cells are rectangular and stack efficiently.
This design slashes internal battery parts by 75% and halves overall pack components, translating directly to simpler assembly lines and major cost savings. Fewer parts also mean fewer failure points and more consistent battery quality.
Q&A: What Does This Mean for Everyday Drivers?
Q: Will these new batteries make EVs cheaper?
Yes. Leaner manufacturing and cheaper materials mean prices for GM EVs should drop, putting them in reach for more buyers. For reference, today’s Silverado EVs run from $55,000 to $91,000; a price drop could open the door for more drivers.
Q: Will you get more miles per charge?
Absolutely. The Chevrolet Silverado EV Work Truck, for example, is already the longest-range electric truck in the U.S. with 492 miles on a single charge, and GM says LMR batteries will push those numbers even higher.
Q: Is it greener than a gas car?
Definitely. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, EVs prevent thousands of pounds of pollution—even in coal-dependent states. Swapping to an EV slashes air pollutants that are directly tied to cancer and respiratory disease.
How to Take Advantage: Get Ready for the EV Revolution
1. Watch for New GM Models: Expect LMR-powered options to hit showrooms by 2027.
2. Check Incentives: Both EVs and solar panels still score you huge federal tax credits in 2025.
3. Follow Charging Buildout: GM and seven other automakers pledge 30,000 new fast-charge stations by 2030.
4. Go Solar: Pairing rooftop solar with your new EV could let you drive on sunshine at zero fuel cost.
Pro Tips: Save Big While Going Green
- Switch to EVs now for annual savings of $1,500 in fuel and maintenance.
- Install solar panels for truly clean driving and extra utility bill cuts.
- Monitor future GM and Ford battery launches for the smartest deals.
The future of electric vehicles is accelerating. Watch GM’s LMR battery closely—it could change how you drive, save, and breathe. Ready to electrify your ride?
Checklist for the Next Big Thing in EVs:
- Track GM battery updates and forthcoming LMR-equipped EV models.
- Explore EV tax credits before they change after 2025.
- Compare current and future battery tech—range, price, and warranty matter.
- Plan for a charging station at home or on the road to make life easier.
- Consider solar for a fully green transportation upgrade.