GM Shifts EV Strategy to Manganese-Rich Batteries and Enables V2G for 250,000 EVs
GM•General Motors head of battery technology said the company will favor lithium manganese-rich cells over lithium iron phosphate for high-volume EV production and shift LFP batteries to stationary storage. GM activated a software update letting 250,000 bidirectional EVs export power to the U.S. grid, bolstering its energy services offering.
1. Battery Technology Realignment
General Motors has signaled a strategic shift in its EV battery roadmap, with head of battery technology Kurt Kelty indicating the company will prioritize lithium manganese-rich cells over lithium iron phosphate for high-volume electric vehicle production. LFP cells will instead be allocated to stationary energy storage applications, departing from the original plan to integrate them into Tennessee EV manufacturing by late 2027. GM reaffirmed that LMR cell development remains on track for commercial rollout by 2028, underscoring its long-term cost and performance ambitions.
2. Vehicle-to-Grid Software Update
GM rolled out a software update enabling approximately 250,000 bidirectional electric vehicles to export stored energy back to the U.S. power grid. This feature transforms eligible models into mobile energy assets, allowing owners to sell electricity during peak demand periods and potentially generate new revenue streams. The V2G capability reinforces GM’s broader energy services strategy and leverages existing vehicle batteries to support grid stability, positioning the company at the forefront of automotive grid integration.
