GM’s Battery Breakthroughs: Solid-State, Sodium-Ion, and LMR Tech in the Works

In a recent interview with InsideEVs, General Motors' Director of Advanced Battery Cell Engineering shared exciting insights into the future of EV battery technology. GM is currently developing three next-generation battery chemistries aimed at improving performance, range, and affordability—solid-state batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries.

While solid-state batteries often steal the spotlight for their high energy density and safety, GM is investing heavily in sodium-ion and LMR chemistries as well. These efforts are all part of GM’s mission to deliver more cost-effective batteries without compromising range or charging speed.

As the largest battery cell producer in the U.S., surpassing even Tesla, GM has the infrastructure to innovate quickly. Through its partnership with LG Energy Solution, GM is already producing high-volume, lower-cost battery cells. Much of this research is driven by the Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center in Michigan, a hub for advanced battery development.

One of the most promising technologies is GM’s lithium manganese-rich battery, expected to debut around 2028. The company plans to introduce this tech in a production truck with a 644+ km range, offering a lighter and cheaper alternative to current lithium-ion batteries—with costs comparable to LFP cells.

Meanwhile, sodium-ion batteries are still in early-stage development, but GM says it has the expertise to scale up. These batteries are safer, more affordable, and better suited for cold climates. Though they have lower energy density than lithium-ion cells, sodium-ion batteries don’t rely on rare earth materials and are already being used in two-wheelers in China.

While true mass production of solid-state and LMR batteries may be years away, sodium-ion tech is quickly gaining traction, making it the most viable candidate for near-future implementation in affordable EVs.