# GM outlines 4th-gen EV platform with LMR prismatic cells; early estimate: ~20% more range per kWh

- Published: 2026-11-11 09:31 UTC
- Section: Power & Energy › Cars
- Tags: GM fourth-generation EV platform, lithium-manganese-rich battery, LMR prismatic cell, range per kWh, LFP cost comparison, Ultium Cells Spring Hill, centralized computing EV, GM Forward
- URL: https://realtech.media/news/rt-6d76574a1e755cb29ce5cc60_gm_outlines_4th/

**GM disclosed the development direction of a fourth-generation EV platform that integrates battery, drive unit and central computing. The figures so far come from an initial development review.**

![GM outlines 4th-gen EV platform with LMR prismatic cells; early estimate: ~20% more range per kWh](https://realtech.media/media/2026/11/20fcabd40fd5c055.jpg)
*biz.heraldcorp.com*

General Motors said on the 11th that it has disclosed the development direction of its fourth-generation electric vehicle (EV) platform, which integrates the battery, the electric drive system and centralized computing, according to biz.heraldcorp.com. GM presented it at the GM Forward event in New York on the 21st of last month, local time. [1]

## LMR battery and range

The platform is designed around the whole vehicle as a single system rather than around improvements of individual parts. [1] In the initial development review, GM expects that combining new lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic cells, an electric drive unit and aerodynamic improvements could raise range per kWh of energy by about 20% compared with current vehicles. [1]

The LMR battery is to be used in major EV segments where range, durability and price competitiveness matter. GM is designing it to cost about the same as lithium iron phosphate (LFP), a widely used low-cost chemistry, while raising energy density by 33%. According to GM, a smaller and lighter pack can still deliver long range. [1] The LMR prismatic cells will be produced at the Spring Hill plant in Tennessee, US, operated by Ultium Cells, a joint venture of GM and LG Energy Solution. [1]

## Drive unit and central computing

The new drive unit has a smaller motor and power electronics, and the number of internal parts is 40% lower than before. GM says this lowers vehicle weight, frees more passenger and cargo space, and may cut production cost through fewer parts. [1]

Centralized computing supports energy management and feature improvement through software. According to GM, the new electrical and computing architecture has fewer control modules and less wiring than current EVs and improves the responsiveness of the display and voice control. It is also the basis for continuous improvement of features such as Super Cruise and OnStar. [1]

GM plans to integrate the LMR battery, the new drive system and central computing in one platform to raise range, space use and price competitiveness together, and to extend the platform to major EV segments. [1] The range figure is an expectation from the initial review, not a measured result.

## Sources

1. [biz.heraldcorp.com](https://biz.heraldcorp.com/article/10932948)

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Source: RealTech, realtech.media — https://realtech.media/news/rt-6d76574a1e755cb29ce5cc60_gm_outlines_4th/