The new batteries use more-prevalent, less-expensive minerals like magnesium instead of larger amounts of cobalt and nickel that are currently used in EV batteries from GM and other automakers. General Motors battery technician Steven Petty Jr. focuses on aligning electrodes on an anode sample for a prototype LMR battery cell in the making. WARREN, Mich. — General Motors expects to pioneer a new "groundbreaking" EV battery technology that the automaker says will reduce costs and boost profitability of its l ...