Ford’s new lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) battery technology promises to cut costs, increase safety, and drive mass electric vehicle adoption—without relying on controversial materials.
At a Glance
- Ford unveils lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) battery technology for EVs
- LMR cells boost energy density and thermal stability
- The tech aims to reduce costs and rival gas-powered vehicle prices
- Second-generation LMR cells are already in pilot production
- Manganese offers a safer, cheaper alternative to nickel and cobalt
EV Innovation with Affordable Ambition
Ford Motor Co. has revealed a promising new chapter in electric mobility through its lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) battery technology. Developed at the company’s Ion Park Battery Center of Excellence, LMR cells are designed to address three of the biggest barriers to EV adoption: high cost, low energy density, and thermal instability.
Unlike traditional nickel-based chemistries, Ford’s LMR formula relies on manganese—an element that’s abundant, cost-effective, and thermally stable. This shift could reduce reliance on expensive and ethically fraught materials like cobalt while improving performance and safety.
Watch a report: Ford’s Game-Changing Battery Targets Cost and Safety – YouTube.
From Concept to Production
According to Ford’s director of electrified propulsion engineering Charles Poon, “Today marks a pivotal moment in Ford’s electrification journey and for the future of electric vehicles.” Ford has already begun producing second-generation LMR cells on its pilot line and aims to incorporate them into vehicles by the end of the decade.
Earlier lithium-manganese technologies, such as those used in the Chevrolet Volt, suffered from voltage decay and gas generation. Ford claims it has solved those limitations without compromising energy density, bringing LMR technology closer to commercial viability.
Cost Parity and Long-Term Impact
Ford Chair Bill Ford has long advocated for making electric vehicles affordable to the average consumer. This battery breakthrough is a key component in achieving that goal. By moving away from cobalt, Ford’s LMR strategy supports lower costs, greater material availability, and more ethical sourcing.
Auto analyst Sam Abuelsamid emphasized the chemistry’s benefits, stating that “the big advantage of manganese is that it’s plentiful, cheap and very stable,” which helps reduce the risk of thermal runaway and further supports Ford’s push for safer EV platforms.
Looking Ahead
Ford’s new battery technology positions it among global innovators like CATL, which are also pursuing manganese-based chemistries. Though mass deployment will take time, the LMR project signals Ford’s deep investment in clean, efficient, and scalable energy solutions for transportation.
If successful, LMR batteries could usher in a new era where EVs rival gas-powered cars not just in performance, but also in price and reliability—advancing the vision of a sustainable transportation future for all.
