GM to Use New Battery from LG Energy Solution JV in Next-Generation Platform

Lithium Manganese-Rich Batteries...Produced by Ultium Cells

General Motors (GM) will use batteries produced by Ultium Cells, its battery joint venture with LG Energy Solution, in its next-generation electric vehicle platform.

The battery prototype manufacturing process at GM's Battery Cell Innovation Center in Warren, Michigan, U.S. GM

According to industry sources on November 11, GM disclosed its development plans for a fourth-generation electric vehicle platform in New York last month, integrating batteries, electric drive systems and centralized computing.

The platform focuses on designing the entire vehicle as a single system, going beyond improvements to individual components. By combining new lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic batteries, electric drive units and aerodynamic improvements, it is expected to increase range by about 20% per 1 kWh of energy compared with current vehicles.

LMR batteries will be used in major electric vehicle segments where range, durability and price competitiveness are important. LMR prismatic cells are scheduled to be produced at Ultium Cells' plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

GM said it is designing LMR batteries to deliver 33% greater energy density than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are widely used as a low-cost option, at a similar cost. This would allow the batteries to provide longer range in smaller, lighter packs.

Structure of GM's fourth-generation EV platform. GM

In addition, the new drive units for the platform will reduce the size of the motor and power electronics and cut the number of internal components by 40% compared with current units. This will reduce vehicle weight and provide more space for passengers and cargo. Fewer components are also expected to lower production costs.

Centralized computing will also support energy management and feature improvements through software. The new electrical and computing architecture will reduce the number of control modules and wiring compared with current electric vehicles, improve the responsiveness of displays and voice controls, and provide a foundation for ongoing improvements to features such as Super Cruise and OnStar.

GM said, "By integrating LMR batteries, a new drive system and centralized computing into a single platform, we plan to improve range, space efficiency and price competitiveness. By expanding the fourth-generation EV platform to major electric vehicle segments, we will give more customers the opportunity to choose an electric vehicle."

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