General Motors is taking another step toward its next generation of electric vehicle batteries.On September 29, 2026, GM confirmed that its Ultium Cells joint venture with LG Energy Solution plans to produce lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells at its facility in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Facility upgrades are expected to begin later this year and be completed in 2028.
The move brings GM's LMR battery technology closer to large-scale production and could play an important role in the company's future electric trucks and full-size SUVs.
What Is GM's LMR Battery?
LMR stands for lithium-manganese-rich, referring to a battery chemistry that uses a higher proportion of manganese while reducing the reliance on nickel and cobalt compared with some conventional high-nickel battery chemistries.
GM and LG Energy Solution have been developing LMR technology for several years. In May 2025, the companies announced plans to commercialize LMR prismatic cells for future GM electric trucks and full-size SUVs.
According to GM, its LMR cells are designed to deliver 33% higher energy density than its best-performing LFP-based cells, while targeting a comparable cost. GM also says future electric trucks using the technology could achieve more than 400 miles of range.
These figures are manufacturer targets rather than independent real-world test results, so actual vehicle range and performance will depend on the final battery and vehicle configuration.
Why Is GM Using More Manganese?
Battery manufacturers are exploring different combinations of materials to balance energy density, cost and supply-chain considerations.
Traditional NMC batteries use nickel, manganese and cobalt. LMR technology increases the proportion of manganese while reducing the amount of nickel and cobalt.
GM says manganese is more affordable and easier to source than some of the other battery materials it is seeking to reduce. The company is therefore positioning LMR as another option between lower-cost LFP batteries and higher-energy high-nickel chemistry.
This approach reflects a broader trend in the EV industry: different vehicles may use different battery chemistries depending on their range, performance and cost requirements.
Where Will the LMR Batteries Be Produced?
The new LMR cells will be produced at Ultium Cells Spring Hill, a battery manufacturing facility operated through the GM and LG Energy Solution joint venture.
GM says the Spring Hill facility will be the first manufacturing site globally to commercially produce LMR prismatic battery cells. Construction and facility upgrades are expected to begin later in 2026 and be completed in 2028.
The facility is already part of GM's North American battery manufacturing network. GM has previously described its strategy of using multiple battery chemistries and cell formats to support different EV applications.
What Does This Mean for Future Electric Trucks and SUVs?
Large electric trucks and full-size SUVs typically require substantial battery capacity because of their size, weight and range requirements.
For these vehicles, increasing energy density could allow automakers to pursue longer driving ranges without relying solely on larger battery packs.
GM plans to use LMR batteries in future full-size electric trucks and SUVs. The first EVs equipped with the new cells are expected to arrive in 2028.
The company has also said that its highest-range EVs will continue to use high-nickel battery chemistry, while LMR will complement its existing LFP and high-nickel solutions.
What Could LMR Mean for EV Drivers?
For consumers, the most noticeable potential benefit could be greater driving range combined with a focus on battery cost.
If GM's targets are achieved in production vehicles, LMR technology could help make long-range electric trucks and SUVs more practical without requiring an equally large increase in battery capacity.
However, battery chemistry is only one factor affecting the EV ownership experience.
Vehicle efficiency, battery capacity, charging infrastructure, onboard charging capability and DC fast-charging performance will continue to influence how quickly and conveniently an EV can be charged.
A longer-range EV may reduce the frequency of charging stops, but reliable home and public charging will remain important for daily driving and longer trips.
What Happens Next?
GM expects upgrades at the Spring Hill facility to be completed in 2028, with LMR-powered EVs expected to follow.
The next stage will be to see how the technology performs once it reaches production vehicles. Real-world range, charging performance, battery durability and final vehicle pricing will provide a clearer picture of how LMR compares with other battery chemistries.
For now, GM's move into LMR production adds another battery technology to an increasingly diverse EV market, giving automakers more options for balancing range, cost and vehicle requirements.
Final Takeaway
GM's planned LMR battery production in Tennessee represents another development in the race to improve EV battery technology.
The company is targeting a combination of higher energy density and competitive battery costs, particularly for electric trucks and full-size SUVs. With production upgrades planned through 2028, the technology is still several years away from reaching consumers at scale, but it will be worth watching as GM moves from battery development toward commercial production.