Hardware Podcasts

GM's big new battery tech push

Catalyst · 26 Jun 2025 · 36m

What this episode covers

Kurt Kelty, GM's VP of battery, propulsion, and sustainability, explains how GM is commercializing lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) batteries to offer high energy density at lower costs by swapping expensive nickel for abundant manganese. He details the technical hurdles of cycle life and formation time that previously stalled LMR, and how GM’s partnership with LG Energy Solutions and investments in domestic supply chains for materials like nickel and manganese are enabling mass production starting in 2028. Kelty argues that LMR will coexist with high-nickel and LFP chemistries, targeting mid-range EVs where cost and range balance is critical, while LFP remains preferred for stationary storage due to its superior cycle life.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
GM, LG Energy Solutions, Panasonic, Tesla, Northvolt, Lithium Americas, Vale
Products
LMR, NMC, LFP, Ultium, Chevy Silverado EV, Cadillac Escalade IQ, Cadillac Lyric

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