GM’s Game-Changing Manganese-Rich Battery Could Make EVs More Affordable by 2028
Electric vehicles (EVs) are booming, but let’s face it—many people still find them too expensive. That could change soon. General Motors (GM) recently announced a major breakthrough: a manganese-rich EV battery that could hit the roads by 2028. If all goes as planned, this new battery could help make electric cars more affordable and accessible than ever before.
What’s the Big Deal About This New Battery?
If you’ve been following the EV market, you’ve probably heard of lithium-ion batteries, the go-to power source in most electric vehicles today. But GM’s new battery goes in a different direction. Instead of relying heavily on expensive metals like cobalt and nickel, GM’s latest prototype uses manganese—a material that’s cheaper, more abundant, and easier to source.
But why does this matter?
Because batteries are one of the most expensive parts of any EV. Reducing battery costs can directly impact the price of the car, and that could be huge for consumers.
So, What Exactly Is a Manganese-Rich Battery?
Think of a battery like a layered sandwich. Traditional EV batteries include key ingredients like lithium, cobalt, and nickel to help store energy. But these metals come with problems—cobalt, for example, is pricey and often linked to complicated ethical sourcing issues.
GM’s manganese-rich battery flips the script by using higher amounts of manganese and less cobalt and nickel. The result? A battery that’s not only cheaper to make but also more environmentally friendly and easier to produce at scale.
What Does This Mean for the Future of EVs?
This battery isn’t just a fancy science experiment. GM plans to roll it out in real electric vehicles by 2028. And here’s the most exciting part: the new battery design could slash battery costs by up to 40%!
Let’s break that down. If EVs currently cost around $60 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in battery materials, this new battery could bring that number down to under $55/kWh. Over thousands of EVs, that’s a serious price drop.
This Could Mean:
- Cheaper electric cars for everyday drivers
- Longer range batteries without a higher price tag
- Lower carbon footprint thanks to easier-to-source materials
How Is GM Making It Happen?
GM’s battery innovation isn’t happening in a vacuum. The company is working with key research labs, universities, and its own engineering teams to develop and test this new battery chemistry. The work is being done at its Warren, Michigan campus, where materials scientists are carefully tweaking the formulation to balance performance, cost, and safety.
They’re calling this a “next-generation chemistry,” and it’s no small feat. It takes years of testing to make sure a battery can handle temperature swings, charging cycles, and real-world driving conditions. But GM seems confident, announcing that they’ll begin integrating this tech as early as 2026 in prototypes, before scaling it up for commercial use by 2028.
Why Now?
The timing couldn’t be better. EV sales are growing, but the market still faces two major challenges:
- Cost: Gasoline-powered cars are still cheaper upfront
- Charging infrastructure: Still catching up in many areas
By cutting battery costs, GM can price its vehicles more competitively. That means more customers might finally consider going electric, especially if the sticker price starts to match or even beat traditional cars.
Think About It This Way…
Imagine you’re shopping for a new car. You like the idea of an electric vehicle, but you’re also watching your budget. If two similar cars are parked side by side—one gas-powered, one electric—and they cost the same, which do you choose?
For many people, the lower cost (and no more gas station visits!) would tip the scales toward the EV. That’s the kind of future GM is hoping to make possible—with a little help from manganese.
What Are the Challenges?
Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing.
Switching out key battery components isn’t as easy as swapping ingredients in a recipe. GM still has to ensure that the new battery meets performance and safety standards. Things like charge time, lifespan, weight, and even recyclability still need to be perfected before we see it in cars on the road.
But the company is optimistic, describing this move as part of its broader push to become a leader in affordable, sustainable EV manufacturing.
What Does This Mean for You?
Even if you’re not in the market for a new car right now, this announcement is a sign of things to come. Car makers are racing to bring low-cost, high-performance EVs to the public. And innovations like GM’s manganese-rich battery are key to making that possible.
In the Coming Years, You Can Expect:
- Lower prices on electric models across multiple brands
- More options at different price points
- Longer driving ranges and faster charging times
It’s an exciting time for the auto industry—and for drivers, too. And it all starts with rethinking what goes inside the humble electric car battery.
Final Thoughts
It’s clear that GM’s new battery breakthrough isn’t just about chemistry—it’s about changing the way we think about electric transportation. By developing a manganese-rich battery that’s cheaper and easier to make, GM is paving the way for more affordable EVs by 2028.
Of course, time will tell whether the company can deliver on its promise. But if successful, this could be one of the biggest leaps forward in EV technology since Tesla shook up the market over a decade ago.
So, are you ready to drive electric? This new battery might be the final push you need—especially if it saves you money without sacrificing performance.
Stay tuned. The EV revolution is far from over, and the next chapter promises to be even more exciting.