On the Dash:
- GM is increasing its investment in lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) batteries, which it says can match LFP costs while delivering greater energy density.
- A shift away from LFP would separate GM from competitors such as Tesla, Ford and Rivian that use the chemistry to lower EV costs.
- The decision could influence future EV pricing, range and production strategies across GM’s portfolio.
General Motors is reevaluating its plans to use lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in future electric vehicles (EVs) as it focuses on developing its lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) battery technology, according to a Reuters report.
Kurt Kelty, VP of Battery & Sustainability at GM, signaled that the company might ultimately exclude LFP from its EV lineup, despite previous plans to produce the batteries for vehicles later this decade.
Kelty described LMR batteries as the future “workhorse” of GM’s EV strategy, noting that manufacturers can produce them in the U.S. at costs comparable to LFP while storing greater energy within the same size and weight. After investing in the technology for over a decade, GM’s co-owned Tennessee battery plant will begin producing LFP cells this month, though the company will use those cells for energy storage applications rather than EVs. Kelty suggested LFP may never enter GM’s EV battery portfolio.
While Tesla, Ford and Rivian have turned to LFP to reduce vehicle costs and improve EV accessibility, GM believes LMR technology can reduce reliance on critical minerals while delivering superior performance. Industry analysts warn of technical challenges, including battery degradation over time, while S&P Global has indicated that widespread LFP adoption is unlikely in the near term.
GM currently offers more than a dozen EV models in the U.S., primarily powered by nickel-rich batteries. The newly launched Chevrolet Bolt reportedly uses LFP cells from the Chinese manufacturer CATL. Ultimately, GM aims to start commercial LMR production by 2028, and development is reportedly on schedule.
