Electric and Eclectic

July 18, 2025Newsletter Archives

General Motors continues to make a major push to improve the experience and economy of electric vehicles, among other things pushing ahead on battery innovation. 

In May, GM and our collaborator LG Energy Solution announced a breakthrough advance on the battery technology known as LMR, an acronym for “lithium manganese rich.” While LMR technology has historically been hampered by technical barriers, GM and LG have engineered solutions, clearing the way for a leap forward that will offer consumers EVs with a combination of long range and low cost.

This week, we announced another important development. Starting in 2027, Ultium Cells, the GM and LG Energy Solution joint venture, will produce battery cells at their Spring Hill, Tennessee, plant, using a battery chemistry known as LFP, or lithium iron phosphate. With LFP battery technology, GM is targeting significant battery pack cost savings compared to today’s high-nickel battery packs.

“LFP was an American breakthrough that’s grown in popularity as a low-cost battery solution worldwide,” GM President Mark Reuss wrote in a story on GM News. “I’m proud that we’re bringing its benefits – and associated jobs – back to America.” 

With addition of both LMR and LFP chemistries to the company’s nickel cobalt manganese aluminum batteries, GM will bring greater flexibility to its growing EV portfolio. The combination, Reuss wrote, “is key to offering our best mix of range, performance, and affordability for our EV customers.”

In another important development this week, GM unveiled a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the power systems provider Redwood Materials to use both new U.S.-manufactured batteries from GM and second-life battery packs from GM electric vehicles in grid-scale batteries and backup power. 

“Electricity demand is climbing, and it’s only going to accelerate,” said Kurt Kelty, VP of batteries, propulsion, and sustainability. “To meet that challenge, the U.S. needs energy storage solutions that can be deployed quickly, economically, and made right here at home. GM batteries can play an integral role. We’re not just making better cars - we’re shaping the future of energy resilience.”

-- Eric Savitz, editor-in-chief, GM News