Umicore has announced the start of industrialization of its manganese-rich HLM (High Lithium, Manganese) technology for cathode materials. The HLM material is to be commercially produced and used in electric vehicles from 2026. HLM is becoming increasingly important to car manufacturers and cell manufacturers as a cost-effective, sustainable battery technology with high energy density.
Better operational record than LFP
According to Umicore, HLM offers a better total cost of ownership than LFP (lithium iron phosphate) – with longer ranges, equivalent safety, much more reliable SOC monitoring in the state of charge and better recyclability. As a recycling company, Umicore will produce these battery materials on an industrial scale, with industry-leading recovery rates and in an eco-efficient manner. Future HLM production will take place at Umicore’s active material plants in Korea and Poland, as well as the planned plant in Canada.
