LG’s Experimental LMR Battery Retained 92% Capacity After 883 Cycles
The lithium-manganese-rich cell showed superior longevity compared to traditional high-nickel chemistries in lab testing.
LG Energy Solution has reported that its experimental lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) battery cell retained 92% of its initial capacity after completing 883 charge-discharge cycles, signaling potential advancements in battery longevity and cost-efficiency for future electric vehicles.
What Happened
According to research data, the experimental LMR cell demonstrated robust durability during extensive cycling tests. The 92% capacity retention rate after 883 cycles highlights the stability of the manganese-rich cathode chemistry, which LG has been developing as an alternative to more expensive nickel-based cells. The testing protocol focused on long-term cycle life, a critical metric for battery performance over a vehicle's lifespan.
Why It Matters
LMR batteries are being explored as a lower-cost alternative to high-nickel NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) cells, which currently dominate the EV market. While nickel offers high energy density, it is expensive and supply-constrained. Manganese is more abundant and cheaper. If LMR chemistry can match or exceed the longevity of current mainstream batteries while reducing costs, it could significantly lower the price point for EVs and alleviate supply chain pressures for automakers. This development is particularly relevant for mid-range vehicles where cost efficiency is paramount.
The Bottom Line
LG’s experimental LMR battery shows promising durability with 92% capacity retention after 883 cycles, potentially paving the way for cheaper, longer-lasting EV batteries using abundant manganese resources.
