LG Energy Solution, GM to mass-produce world’s first LMR prismatic batteries

By Maekyung News Service

South Korean battery maker LG Energy Solution Ltd. is teaming up with U.S. automaker General Motors Co. (GM) to mass-produce world’s first lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic batteries.

Ultium Cells LLC, the battery joint venture between the two companies, said on Tuesday, local time, that it will establish an LMR prismatic battery production system at its plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, the United States.

The facility will begin conversion work and equipment upgrades late this year, with production expected to be ready by 2028.

LMR batteries increase the use of abundant manganese while reducing costly nickel and cobalt, lowering production costs while maintaining high performance.

Unlike the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries widely produced by Chinese manufacturers, LMR technology has yet to see large-scale development in China.

LMR batteries are priced similarly to LFP batteries but offer about 33 percent higher energy density, giving the companies a way to compete with low-cost Chinese batteries through differentiated technology.

The Tennessee plant began producing LFP battery cells in June for customers of Vertech Inc., LG Energy Solution’s energy storage system (ESS) integration subsidiary. Adding LMR production will allow the plant to offer a diversified portfolio of LFP, LMR, and high-nickel batteries, while producing both pouch-type and prismatic cells.

LG Energy Solution obtained its first LMR-related patent in 2010 and had filed more than 300 patents in the field as of the first half of this year. It signed an agreement with GM in December 2024 to jointly develop prismatic batteries and key materials, followed by plans announced in May 2025 to commercialize LMR prismatic batteries.

“We will further advance our production system in line with changing market demand and solidify our position as a technology leader,” said Pahk In-jae, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Ultium Cells.

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