General Motors is developing lithium manganese-rich (LMR) cells to directly rival Chinese-dominated lithium iron phosphate technology, targeting commercial production by 2028 alongside LG Energy Solution. Supported by a $900 million facility investment in Warren, Michigan, the chemistry swaps out substantial amounts of nickel and cobalt for manganese and extra lithium. Battery head Kurt Kelty accelerated the decade-old research by demanding engineers aggressively prioritize key projects and voice disagreements with superiors. Kelty also reformed internal reviews by intentionally welcoming missed targets as evidence of ambitious risk-taking.
Key points
Kurt Kelty instructed engineers to use a specific phrase to fearlessly challenge their su…: Kurt Kelty instructed engineers to use a specific phrase to fearlessly challenge their superiors during program debates.
Direct reports under the restructured battery division must identify two tasks they will…: Direct reports under the restructured battery division must identify two tasks they will refuse to perform every quarter.
Performance tracking now incorporates color-coded indicators where leadership expects occ…: Performance tracking now incorporates color-coded indicators where leadership expects occasional red marks to confirm teams pursue difficult goals.
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General Motors is challenging China’s dominance in EV batteries. Alongside developing a different battery chemistry for electric trucks and large SUVs, the automaker is encouraging engineers to question senior leaders, acknowledge uncertainty and turn down work that distracts from their priorities. According to a Fortune report, that cultural shift helped GM move forward with a battery technology it had spent more than a decade researching.
“I want to grant myself permission to speak fearlessly.” GM has encouraged employees to use this phrase when opening a disagreement with their seniors, Kurt Kelty, its vice president of battery and sustainability, told Fortune. Battery engineer Andy Oury said the approach helped open up the debate over lithium manganese-rich batteries, or LMR, which GM plans to produce commercially with LG Energy Solution in 2028.
What GM’s battery bet means for competition with China
Much of the world’s inexpensive EV battery supply uses lithium iron phosphate, or LFP, a chemistry dominated by China. GM’s LMR cells replace much of the nickel and cobalt with cheaper, more plentiful manganese and additional lithium.
Expanding appetite across the North American market served as the primary catalyst behind the steel pipe manufacturer's latest quarterly performance. Investors responded favorably to the positive sales trajectory, immediately bidding up the company's equity valuation following the announcement.
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Operations at the massive international manufacturing site have been temporarily halted according to media reporting. The facility represents a significant financial investment in the region's semiconductor infrastructure. Key variables surrounding the strategic shift remain unclear as stakeholders await formal explanation from the chipmaker.