Ford’s 'breakthrough' lithium manganese-rich (LMR) battery: What we know so far

Ford Motor Co. has claimed a significant leap forward in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology, with which it hopes to hit cost parity with gas cars and close the gap with China’s battery giants CATL and BYD.

On April 23, Ford unveiled progress on its lithium manganese rich (LMR) battery chemistry – touted as a “safer, cheaper” alternative that could extend range and lower EV costs.

It's a big claim.

Analysts say such advances, if proven outside the lab, could significantly disrupt EVs economics, causing a downward shift in the cost structure of battery production.

Higher nominal voltage

The Detroit automaker’s LMR battery uses a Li₂MnO₃-based cathode, first developed in the 1990s, but long plagued by issues like short cycle life and voltage decay.

Now, with its lab breakthrough, LMR is claimed to have the LFP safety advantages with the energy density of nickel-rich batteries, while being cheaper than current nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC)-based battery chemistry. 

But unlike costly nickel or cobalt-based batteries, LMR batteries use abundant, cheaper, and safer manganese.

LMR allows for higher “nominal voltage” (up to 4.3V) – the average voltage while the battery is in use. Moreover, it also has a reportedly higher energy density than today's widely used lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.

In contrast, a typical lithium-ion battery cell has a nominal voltage of 3.7V. 

'Game-changer'

Juan Carlos Zuleta, a lithium economics analyst, states expressed “surprise” with Ford’s LMR battery announcement, which he said could be a “game-changer”.

“This could be the end of both LFP & NMC,” Zulueta stated.

Ford says it has overcome the LMR battery’s historical drawbacks — particularly poor lifespan and gas generation — without sacrificing performance. 

Ford’s EV roadmap

The breakthrough comes from Ford’s Ion Park lab in Michigan, where test production of second-gen LMR cells is already underway.

Ford aims to scale up production and integrate these batteries into its EV lineup by 2030.

Charles Poon, Ford’s director of electrified propulsion engineering, called the development a “step change” in battery technology. 

Safety profile

Ford believes LMR offers the safety of LFP, the energy density of high-nickel batteries, and the cost advantage of manganese, making it an ideal path forward as the company works toward EV affordability and cost parity with gasoline vehicles.

If validated, this could allow Ford to mass-produce batteries that rival nickel-rich cells in energy but at significantly lower cost.

Price of nickel vs manganese

Nickel hovered at $15,250 per metric tonne (MT) as of May 1, 2025, while manganese traded at about $30.75/MT, as per Trading Economics.

In theory, the big price difference could enable EVs with longer range and drive prices even lower.

Ford faces Chinese rivals that aggressively offer lower-cost, higher-range EVs, thanks to domestic battery innovation and unprecedented competition.

Skepticism 

Experts are cautiously optimistic.

While Ford claims progress, it has released few technical details, leaving some unconvinced. 

Analysts like Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions see Ford’s work as promising but not yet proven: “Directly addressing” known issues doesn’t confirm they’ve solved them.

CATL’s new breakthrough

China’s CATL quietly revealed a potential rival breakthrough: four anodeless lithium metal batteries with faster charging, lighter weight, and superior cold-weather performance. 

CATL says its new tech could charge a car for 320 miles in just five minutes — a claim that stole little spotlight but may have greater near-term impact.

Looking ahead

If LMR batteries live up to their promise, they could eliminate cobalt, reducing both cost and ethical concerns tied to child labor in cobalt mining. 

Analyst David Whiston of Morningstar noted that such advances could shift the cost structure of EVs globally.

Takeaways