GM and LG Energy Solution are racing to create batteries that could finally make electric trucks practical for everyday drivers.

Sunita Somvanshi

By 2028, your electric truck might run on manganese – a cheaper material that could slash battery costs while boosting range.

Photo Source: Wired

Today's EV batteries rely on expensive cobalt and nickel, pushing prices up. The new LMR batteries swap in abundant manganese instead.

Photo Source: Wired

How much better? These new batteries pack 33% more energy than current affordable options while costing about the same.

Photo Source: GM Envolve

What does 33% more energy actually mean for drivers? GM is targeting over 400 miles of range – that's NY to Boston and back on a single charge.

Photo Source: GM News

Why haven't we used manganese before? Previous attempts created batteries that died too quickly to be practical.

Photo Source: Concord Chevrolet

GM started researching this technology back in 2015, while LG Energy Solution has filed over 200 patents on it since 2010.

Photo Source: GM News

The new rectangular "prismatic" design will cut battery components by 50% and module parts by 75%.

Photo Source: GM News

When will we see these batteries? Commercial production starts in US Ultium Cells facilities by 2028, with pre-production beginning late 2027.

Photo Source: GM News

Ford is also racing to develop similar technology before 2030, suggesting major automakers see manganese as the future.

Photo Source: GM News

What might this mean for your wallet? If successful, these batteries could help make electric trucks competitive with gas-powered ones in both price and performance.

Photo Source: GM News

The real question: Will this technology finally convince mainstream truck buyers to go electric?

Photo Source: GM News