General Motors develops new battery technology to challenge China's dominance
The automaker is using lithium manganese-rich cells to compete with China's lithium iron phosphate battery supply.
General Motors (GM) is developing new battery technology to challenge China's dominance in the electric vehicle (EV) battery market, according to a Fortune report cited by the Times of India.
The company is working on lithium manganese-rich (LMR) cells, which aim to replace much of the nickel and cobalt used in batteries with cheaper manganese and additional lithium. GM plans to produce these LMR cells commercially with LG Energy Solution in 2028.
GM says the LMR technology can deliver roughly a third more energy density than leading lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells at a comparable cost. LFP chemistry is currently used in much of the world's inexpensive EV battery supply and is dominated by China.
Kurt Kelty, GM vice president of battery and sustainability, said the company is developing this technology locally rather than licensing it from China. The company has invested $900 million in battery development facilities in Warren, Michigan, to help engineers develop and manufacture cells.
Kelty, who joined GM in February 2024, has also introduced a cultural shift by encouraging engineers to challenge senior leaders. He implemented a performance review system using red, yellow, and green indicators, stating he wants to see red results to show employees are aiming for difficult goals.
While the company has enough data to be 60% to 70% of the way toward its LMR decision, Kelty noted that further development is required to close the gap.
