Ford introduces LMR battery as next step in EV technology

Ford has announced the development of a new battery chemistry called Lithium Manganese Rich (LMR) as part of its ongoing electrification strategy. The technology is being developed at Ion Park, the company’s Battery Center of Excellence. According to Ford, LMR is being produced on a pilot line and is expected to be integrated into production vehicles before the end of the decade.

The LMR battery chemistry is being developed to improve safety, energy density, and cost efficiency. Ford states that LMR batteries are designed to offer a safety profile similar to that of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries. Additionally, the company claims LMR provides higher energy density than high-nickel batteries, which could enable longer vehicle ranges. The batteries are also being developed with a goal of reducing cost to below that of current mid-nickel batteries, which Ford sees as essential for achieving cost parity with gasoline-powered vehicles.

The development of LMR is being led by a team of over 135 chemists, engineers, and scientists at Ion Park. These individuals reportedly come from leading battery firms and research institutions worldwide. Ford began its battery strategy with nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) technology and added LFP batteries in 2023. LMR is positioned as the company’s next step in battery chemistry evolution.

Ford indicates that the LMR initiative is part of its broader plan to offer more affordable electric vehicles to a wider range of customers by addressing battery cost and performance limitations.