GM to Mass-Produce LMR Battery Cells in Tennessee by 2028, Targeting Lower-Cost EVs

General Motors' joint venture Ultium Cells will produce cheaper, high-energy-density lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) batteries in Tennessee. The LMR batteries, with 65% manganese and 35% nickel, will be used in full-size trucks and SUVs, offering up to 400 miles of range. GM is the second-largest EV seller in the U.S. The $1 billion factory expansion is expected to be completed by 2028, adding 500 jobs.

GM will end light-duty Silverado 1500 production in Oshawa, Ontario, in November, replacing it with GMC Sierra HD by 2028. The $144M investment follows labor talks, maintaining current employment levels. The plant currently produces Silverado models, with 2026 output expected at 114,000 trucks. GM also invested $215M in its St. Catharines propulsion plant. U.S. tariffs on Canadian-made cars are impacting Ontario's auto sector.

Ultium Cells, a GM-LG Energy Solution joint venture, is investing $1 billion to upgrade its Spring Hill battery plant for next-gen EV cells. The 2028 project will create 500 jobs and focus on prismatic LMR batteries, aiming to reduce costs and improve performance. This follows prior investments of over $2 billion at the site.

GM faces a class action lawsuit over alleged defects in the continuously variable transmission (CVT) of certain Chevrolet and GMC vehicles, including the Chevy Malibu, Trailblazer, Equinox, and GMC Terrain. The complaint claims the defects cause slipping, hesitation, and loss of propulsion, posing safety risks. GM is accused of knowing about the issues since 2021 and failing to address them effectively. The lawsuit also alleges improper handling of warranty claims.

General Motors reported a significant decline in U.S. EV sales in Q3, with Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands all seeing drops. Cadillac's total sales fell 30% to 32,650. Chevrolet's sales declined 4.6% to 437,321, with the Equinox EV down 92.4%. GMC's Hummer EV sales dropped 72.9%. Overall, GM's Q3 sales fell 5.5% to 670,974, and year-to-date sales are down 6.4%.

GM's U.S. EV sales dropped 61.7% YoY in Q3 2026 to 25,473 units, accounting for 3.8% of total sales. Overall sales fell 5.5%, with GM citing a smaller EV market. Cadillac's EVs performed relatively better, while models like Equinox EV saw steep declines. Ford also reported an 80% YoY EV sales drop.