LG Energy Solution Targets Voltage Protocol to Scale LMR Cells

LG Energy Solution’s latest work on lithium manganese-rich (LMR) cells points to an unexpected lever for commercialization: how the cell is charged, not just what it is made of. According to the company’s research, the voltage protocol applied during cycling could be the deciding factor in whether LMR cathodes ever reach mass EV production.

LMR chemistries have long been attractive because manganese is abundant and inexpensive, but the cathode has struggled with stability over repeated charge and discharge. The new findings suggest that tuning the voltage profile can meaningfully influence that stability, shifting attention away from a purely materials-focused approach.

For automakers and battery suppliers, the implication is that process and control strategy deserve as much scrutiny as cathode composition. If voltage protocols can unlock LMR’s potential, the chemistry could offer a lower-cost path toward the range and durability EV buyers expect.