Ford is working on something big that could change electric vehicles as we know them: a new battery chemistry called Lithium Manganese Rich (LMR).
If successful, it could mean EVs that cost less, drive farther, and last longer — three things EV buyers are always hoping for.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is LMR Battery Chemistry?
Right now, most EVs use lithium-ion batteries.
Ford’s new approach, LMR, adds more manganese to the mix.
Why manganese?
It’s cheaper and more widely available than materials like nickel or cobalt — two ingredients that make today’s EV batteries expensive and sometimes hard to source.
By using more manganese, Ford says LMR batteries could offer:
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Lower costs — making EVs more affordable.
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Longer driving range — because the batteries could hold more energy.
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Better durability — meaning fewer worries about battery health over time.
Ford is betting big on this technology, aiming to have LMR batteries ready by the end of the decade.
Why It Matters
Today, the high cost of batteries is one of the biggest reasons EVs can be pricey.
If Ford’s LMR batteries work as planned, they could help push EV prices down, making them more competitive with gas cars — and getting more people to make the switch to electric.
And it’s not just about cost.
Better battery durability could also mean less battery replacement over the life of a vehicle, saving owners even more money.
Ford’s move is part of a bigger trend: automakers are looking for smarter, cheaper, and more sustainable ways to power the EV future.
What’s Next?
Ford hasn’t announced exactly which vehicles will get LMR batteries yet.
But experts believe the first models with this technology could show up in the next few years, helping Ford stay competitive in the rapidly changing EV market.
For now, it’s an exciting glimpse at where the EV world is heading:
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More affordable.
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More capable.
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More accessible.
And that’s a future we’re all here for.