LG's Experimental LMR Battery Keeps 92% Capacity After 883 Cycles

LG researchers have reported a durability breakthrough in their experimental LMR (lithium manganese-rich) battery chemistry, which is seen as a lower-cost alternative to today’s mainstream EV cells. The team found that by altering the way the cells are charged and discharged, they could significantly slow the degradation that has long held back LMR technology.

In testing, the battery retained 92 percent of its original capacity after 883 cycles. That figure points to a meaningful improvement in longevity, since LMR cells have traditionally lost capacity faster than the nickel- and cobalt-based chemistries used in most electric vehicles today. The advance came not from a new material, but from how the existing cells are operated.

If the approach scales, LMR could help automakers reduce reliance on scarce and expensive raw materials while keeping range and lifespan competitive. LG has not announced a production timeline for the chemistry.