"LMR Conference" to Be Held on November 11
Korean Battery Companies Including LG Energy Solution Invited
LMR Offers Lower Costs and Improved Driving Range
Aiming for Commercialization and Ecosystem Development by 2028
Amid the slowdown in the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) market, General Motors (GM) has begun building a next-generation low-cost battery ecosystem centered on LMR (lithium-manganese-rich) batteries. This month, GM will invite Korean battery cell and materials companies to Detroit, Michigan, to initiate discussions on LMR technology collaboration. This strategy is seen as an effort to secure technological leadership to replace Chinese LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, even as the company moderates its pace of EV investment.
According to industry sources on November 3, GM plans to hold the 'LMR Conference' in Detroit, Michigan, on November 11-12 (local time), where it will share the current status of research and development among major domestic and international battery companies. The conference will focus on discussing the direction of LMR cell development, with each company making a presentation of about 10 minutes. Industry insiders report that LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, POSCO Future M, Ecopro, LG Chem, and Enchem are among the companies invited to attend.
Industry observers consider it unusual for an automaker to hold an independent conference centered on a specific battery technology. GM is seen as aiming to reorganize its supply chain with global partners and secure a technological edge.
Regarding the purpose of the conference, GM stated, "This is a specialized conference to further strengthen the LMR technology ecosystem by bringing together key suppliers and innovators in the battery industry," adding, "Attendance is limited to invited guests only."
LMR batteries are products that lower costs by replacing expensive cobalt and nickel in the cathode material with more affordable manganese. They are regarded as next-generation materials capable of achieving both long driving range and low cost, and are attracting attention as a new low-cost battery to replace Chinese LFP batteries. According to GM's own research, LFP batteries can power a North American electric truck for up to about 350 miles (563 km), whereas LMR batteries are said to enable a range of 400 miles (644 km). GM has announced plans to accelerate infrastructure development-including battery cell manufacturing, raw material procurement, and technology internalization-with the goal of achieving the world's first commercial application by 2028.
An industry official stated, "While automakers occasionally hold technical briefings for parts suppliers, this is the first time a company has directly hosted a conference focused on collaboration for a specific battery technology."
Tension is also apparent among attendees regarding the scope of technology sharing. An industry insider commented, "It is understood that representatives from other companies will also be present for the presentations," adding, "There is considerable concern about how much of our development progress should be shared."
Recently, GM decided to lay off thousands of United Auto Workers (UAW) members at its EV and battery production plants. This move comes as the U.S. federal government has abolished the EV tax credit system and relaxed greenhouse gas emission regulations, leading to a sharp decline in demand due to a sweeping overhaul of EV industry policies. As a result, there is a growing possibility that the Ohio and Tennessee battery plants, which GM operates in partnership with LG Energy Solution, may suspend operations starting January 5 next year.
Despite these circumstances, GM appears determined not to relinquish its leadership in 'low-cost batteries' that could replace Chinese LFP batteries from a long-term perspective. GM CEO Mary Barra has previously emphasized that EVs remain the company's 'North Star,' reaffirming the company's commitment to this direction over the long term.
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