General Motors Will Scale Advanced Batteries by 2028
The shift toward lithium manganese-rich battery technology aims to lower vehicle costs and improve range for future owners.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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General Motors plans to deploy lithium manganese-rich battery production at scale by 2028 to boost electric vehicle efficiency and affordability. This development follows a May 2025 announcement regarding a joint project with LG Energy Solution.
Why it matters
Because battery packs represent at least one-third of the total cost of an electric vehicle, GM expects these new chemistry investments to eventually save thousands of dollars per vehicle. The move is designed to improve long-term profitability while scaling production to better align with evolving consumer demand.
The new battery chemistry offers a 33% increase in energy density compared to standard lithium iron phosphate cells. Meanwhile, the automaker anticipates a temporary production loss of 35,000 trucks during the transition to these updated manufacturing systems.
The players
General Motors
A major automotive manufacturer that produces a wide range of trucks and electric vehicles.
Paul Jacobson
The Chief Financial Officer of General Motors who recently outlined the company's battery production strategy.
LG Energy Solution
A leading global battery manufacturer that is partnering with GM on advanced energy storage projects.
The details
To achieve these efficiency gains, General Motors is adopting a prismatic battery cell shape that stores energy more effectively. The company is also reducing its reliance on nickel within the manufacturing process. These changes are part of a broader effort to make electric vehicles more viable for the mass market by balancing battery performance with lower production costs.
Timeline
May 2025: GM announced the joint LMR battery project with LG Energy Solution.
September 15, 2026: Paul Jacobson discussed the production timeline at the Morgan Stanley Laguna Conference.
Q4 2026: GM anticipates a period of weaker sales performance.
2027: The company expects a flat spot in electric vehicle sales growth.
2028: GM plans to deploy lithium manganese-rich battery production at scale.
The Home Front
Automakers are increasingly focused on reducing the high cost of lithium-ion batteries, which traditionally account for one-third of an electric vehicle's total price. This strategy aligns with the broader industry effort to make electrification affordable for more household budgets.
Prospective buyers should monitor how these battery chemistry shifts impact the range and price points of electric trucks in the coming years. Families planning a future transition to an electric vehicle should keep these 2028 timelines in mind when evaluating long-term budget projections.
The takeaway
Advancements in battery chemistry are critical for reducing the cost of electric vehicle ownership. When researching future vehicle purchases, look for manufacturers that are scaling new prismatic cell designs to improve both energy density and long-term value.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations and market trends in the Electric Vehicles section.
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