GM to Produce Next-Gen LMR Batteries at Spring Hill Plant

General Motors confirmed it will mass-produce its next-generation lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) batteries at the Ultium Cells joint venture facility in Spring Hill, Tennessee. This marks the first time the automaker has publicly identified a production location for the new battery technology.

What Happened

The Ultium Cells joint venture, operated by GM and LG Energy Solution, will undergo factory upgrades starting towards the end of this year, with completion expected by 2028. GM stated that Spring Hill will become the first plant in the world to mass-produce prismatic LMR cells. The company noted that these cells are currently being developed at its Warren, Michigan R&D facility. The existing Spring Hill plant also produces lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for energy storage systems.

Why It Matters

GM projects that LMR chemistry will deliver 33% more range than current LFP batteries, which are widely used as low-cost industry standards. The new cells are designed for GM’s full-size trucks and SUVs, with the automaker expecting them to provide over 400 miles of EPA range. LMR batteries utilize higher percentages of manganese, which is easier to source and less expensive to mine than the cobalt and nickel found in traditional nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cells. GM indicated that LMR batteries will cost nearly the same as LFP batteries while offering superior range, positioning them as a middle tier between low-cost LFP and high-range NMC options.

The Bottom Line

The first EVs equipped with LMR cells are expected to roll out in 2028. This development represents a significant step in GM's strategy to balance battery cost and range for its larger vehicles without relying on the most expensive raw materials.