LG Energy Solution reports progress in LMR batteries
LG Energy Solution and Seoul National University have developed an approach to stabilise LMR batteries. In tests, large-format cells demonstrated improved cycle stability as a result.
The research team investigated gas formation and capacity loss in the cells before adjusting their operating conditions and formation process. The findings have been published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.
LMR cathodes primarily rely on manganese and do not require cobalt. Alongside transition metals such as nickel and manganese, oxygen also participates in the energy-storage process. LG Energy Solution expects this combination to enable high energy density at potentially lower material costs. However, if oxygen oxidised during charging does not fully return to its original state during discharge, it can damage the cell structure and generate gases. In large-format cells, this can increase internal pressure and impair performance.
The research team therefore examined different charging and discharging voltages. According to LG Energy Solution, the recovery of oxidised oxygen increased from 86 to 97 per cent when the upper charge cut-off voltage was reduced from 4.6 to 4.3 volts. Lowering the discharge cut-off voltage from 3.0 to 2.0 volts also returned the oxygen almost completely to its original state.
LMR technology for large-format cells
Based on these findings, LG Energy Solution adjusted the voltage range and formation process for 40-Ah-class LMR cells. Among other measures, a lower temperature was used during formation to reduce gas formation. According to the battery manufacturer, the optimised cells retained 92.2 per cent of their original energy after 883 charge and discharge cycles.
These results demonstrate performance under the selected test conditions. However, LG Energy Solution has not provided details on energy density, charging power or a direct comparison with current production battery chemistries in its announcement. The company has also not disclosed a timeline for series production or specific vehicle projects.
The further development of new cell chemistries is also relevant for LG Energy Solution amid increasing competition in the battery market. Although the South Korean manufacturer remained the world’s third-largest battery supplier for electric and hybrid vehicles in the first half of 2026, its market share fell from 9.6 to 8.6 per cent, according to SNE Research. CATL and BYD together already accounted for 54.3 per cent.
LMR could be particularly interesting for LG Energy Solution in the long term because of its high manganese content. The newly published research addresses gas formation, one of the obstacles to using LMR in large-format cells. However, the findings do not yet indicate imminent commercialisation.