A luxury car manufacturer is advancing a new cell chemistry for EVs. Mercedes-Benz is taking steps to combine lithium manganese oxide (LMO) and nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC). This cathode-material combination uses a higher proportion of manganese and less cobalt and nickel, enabling an attractive balance between energy density and cost.

At the same time, this chemical combination forms the technological bridge to the manganese-rich cathode materials of the future. With lithium nickel manganese oxide (LNMO), Mercedes-Benz is advancing another promising cell chemistry. It would eliminate the need for cobalt, require significantly less nickel than today’s NMC cells and offer the potential to combine high energy density with attractive costs.

The key would be the high-voltage capability of LNMO-based cell chemistry , which could operate at voltages of up to five volts. Compared with LFP, range advantages of up to 30 percent may be possible at comparable weight and packaging space, according to a press release. Mercedes‑Benz aims to develop even more compact and lighter battery systems while maintaining the same or even higher performance. These systems open up new possibilities for vehicle design and interior layout. Furthermore, manganese-based cell technologies can reduce reliance on critical raw materials. Developing in-house cell chemistry platforms increases flexibility in responding to technological developments, market changes and regulatory requirements, as per the release. “No technology shapes the character of a vehicle as much as the powertrain, whether fully electric or hybrid,” said Jörg Bartels, Vice President, Powertrain Development, Mercedes‑Benz AG. “Our customers around the world have different needs and expectations.

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