Lithium-ion batteries have held a leading position in the market for two decades. There are, however, signs that they are approaching the final stages of their evolution. So today we consider two competitive alternatives to lithium-ion cells. These two are the emerging nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistries.
Two Alternative Chemistries Competing With Lithium-Ion
NICKEL MANGANESE COBALT (NMC) batteries have equal parts of nickel, manganese, and cobalt oxides in their cathodes, where they store their electro-chemical power. This combination delivers high energy density, and high voltage ideal for locomotion.
LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE (LFP) batteries use lithium-ion phosphate for their energy-storing cathodes. This combination delivers low cost, high safety, low toxicity, and long cycle life for a variety of roles.
How These Batteries Shape Up Against Each Other
Energy Storage Density and Performance Matter
Fancy Sufang Lu posting in LinkedIn confirms that LFP batteries have a lower voltage, and energy density rating than NMC. And moreover, NMC can increase this advantage 1.75 times by adjusting the ratios of the metals in its cathodes. These are the main reasons why vehicles with NMC batteries have superior driving range.
Cycle Lives of These Two Lithium-ion Alternatives
Performance usually comes at a cost, as shows through clearly when comparing these two chemistries. High energy NMC batteries degrade after 1,000 charge-discharge cycles. Whereas lower density LFP alternatives may achieve 3,500 cycles.
The Right Choice Between Two Competitive Batteries
Lithium iron phosphate batteries use commonly available materials, and are relatively cheap to manufacture. Nickel manganese cobalt batteries use scarce raw materials that increase manufacturing time, and so their production cost is higher.
When you choose between the two of them, please don’t consider price only. Rather think how you plan to use the batteries. Are you after solid, long-lasting reliability, or do you need fast, flexible technology that keeps you ahead of the pack?
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Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Particles
