LG Energy Solution to Begin Mass Production of LMR Prismatic Batteries in the U.S. with GM

Production Through GM Joint Venture Ultium Cells
Spring Hill Plant Renovation to be Completed by 2028
Aiming to Become the World's First Mass Producer of LMR Prismatic Cells

LG Energy Solution is set to begin production of next-generation lithium manganese rich (LMR) prismatic batteries through Ultium Cells, its joint venture with U.S. auto giant General Motors (GM).

A panoramic view of the Tennessee factory of Ultium Cells, a joint venture between LG Energy Solution and U.S. General Motors. LG Energy Solution

According to industry sources on September 30, Ultium Cells announced on September 29 (local time) that it will establish an LMR prismatic battery production system at its Spring Hill plant in Tennessee, USA. The company aims to start plant modification work at the end of this year, complete it by 2028, and become the world's first to mass-produce LMR prismatic battery cells.

LMR batteries are a next-generation battery technology that increases the proportion of manganese and reduces the use of expensive cobalt to lower costs, while still achieving high energy density. Ultium Cells expects that its new LMR prismatic batteries will deliver about 33% higher energy density than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, at a similar cost.

Since June of this year, the Spring Hill plant has also started producing LFP battery cells for Vertech, LG Energy Solution’s energy storage system (ESS) integration subsidiary. Once the LMR production system is established, the facility will expand into a base capable of manufacturing various battery chemistries—including high-nickel, LFP, and LMR—as well as multiple form factors such as pouch and prismatic cells.

Ultium Cells plans to invest a total of 1 billion dollars into LFP and LMR production systems and plant improvements by 2030. This investment is expected to create 500 new jobs. Currently, about 1,200 people are employed at the Spring Hill plant.

This investment is a concrete step in the commercialization plan for LMR batteries that LG Energy Solution has been developing. LG Energy Solution secured its first patent related to LMR in 2010 and filed over 300 related patents as of the first half of this year.

In December 2024, the company signed a joint development agreement with GM for prismatic batteries and key materials, after announcing their joint commercial plan for LMR prismatic batteries in May last year.

Park Injae, President of Ultium Cells, said, "By advancing our production system in line with shifts in market demand, we will further strengthen our long-term position in the U.S. battery cell industry."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.