GM's approach focuses on three key areas:
- Cost Reduction: Making electric vehicles more affordable for consumers.
- Performance Improvement: Continuously enhancing vehicle range and efficiency.
- North American Production: Reducing reliance on foreign materials and manufacturing processes.
- LMR (Lithium Manganese Rich) batteries are an evolution of NMC (nickel, manganese, cobalt) chemistries.
- They replace costly cobalt with cheaper manganese, using a mix of approximately 2% cobalt, 60-70% manganese, and the rest nickel.
- These batteries offer 33% more energy density at similar production costs as current LFP (lithium-iron phosphate) cells.
- LMR batteries will appear in mainstream trucks and SUVs, starting in 2028.
- They promise over 400 miles of range, making them a middle ground between NMC's high range and LFP's affordability.
- The batteries will debut in models like the Chevy Silverado EV, offering both cost savings and performance enhancements.
- GM is shifting to prismatic cell designs, which, unlike the pouch cells used presently, are easier and cheaper to manufacture.
- These measure 7.9 x 8.7 x 1.1 inches and weigh approximately 8 pounds each.
- Partnering with LG Energy Solution, GM is accelerating LMR battery development.
- Plans include expanding their R&D facilities, testing new chemistries, and increasing local supplier bases to streamline production and reduce costs.
- This innovation is a strategic response to the fierce global competition and aims to cement GM's position as a leader in battery technology.
- The company assures that battery warranties will remain 8 years/100,000 miles and highlights enhancements in charging speed and cold-weather performance.
- While GM is paving the way with LMR technology, it also has eyes on the future with solid-state batteries, though high costs remain a hurdle.
General Motors is pioneering a new wave of electric vehicles with their LMR battery technology. By focusing on cost efficiency, enhanced performance, and North American production, the company seeks to deliver affordable, high-range EVs to the market by 2028. GM's efforts mark a significant push toward energy independence and competitiveness in the rapidly evolving EV landscape.
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