Making a success of business depends on winning the battle for scarce resources. These assets include key opportunities in the supply chain, and securing worthwhile contracts. Competition for EV batteries (and their raw materials) has not reached the rush for toilet paper in early COVID days. However, shifting to lithium iron phosphate batteries for Daimler heavy vehicles is a sign of the times.
Why Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries for Daimler Now?
U.S. News explains how many electric vehicle batteries use nickel and cobalt among their key components. Therefore, many industry observers predict these materials will could cost considerably more in future, as burgeoning demand strains available supply. And as a result of this, some companies are eyeing alternative technologies to secure more stable supply chains.
This line of thinking makes lithium iron phosphate batteries for Daimler heavy vehicles an attractive proposition. Moreover, its trucks would no longer be in competition with its passenger car business, and its battery cell cost could reduce by as much as 30%. However, there is a downside in that nickel manganese cobalt has greater density. How will Daimler manage the gap?
How Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries Will Work for Daimler
Sheer battery bulk is of far less concern for truck makers because they have more places to locate the cells. Moreover, Daimler has been working with battery supplier Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) to improve lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) performance.
U.S. News says they have “doubled the amount of active energy-storing material in a battery pack to 70-80%”. But that’s not all. The improved battery cells should deliver longer-lasting batteries, because the new technology degrades less “after hundreds and thousands of uses”.
However, we’ve heard some passenger EV makers have similar ideas. Tesla, Volvo and Ford are also eying cheaper lithium iron phosphate technology for some entry-level passenger autos. But for now at least things are looking good for Daimler. That’s because their 2024 eActros Long Haul Class 8 truck will sport a driving range of around 300 miles.
Breaking News
Richer Carbon Electrodes for Faster Charging
