Lithium manganese-rich batteries build on the safety benefits of lithium-metal counterparts, but increase their energy. They are more powerful than mid-nickel alternatives, but could be far more cost effective.
American manufacturing giant Ford Motor Company has begun pilot production of these batteries in Romulus, Michigan. Leading metals information-provider SMM, expects to see them in Ford electric vehicles by 2030.
How Are Lithium Manganese-Rich Batteries Different?
Lithium-metal batteries, as a class, use lithiated metal oxides as their cathodes that supply current to devices. However, the metal is not pure. ‘Oxidize’ means it combines with oxygen, while ‘lithiated’ means it contains lithium too.
Lithium-metal batteries are noteworthy for their impressive energy, but this comes at a high cost. Lithium-manganese are a special class, that use manganese-oxide as cathode. This material is earth-abundant, making it an attractive proposition for electric vehicles.
Persistent Disadvantages of These Batteries
Rechargeable lithium manganese-rich batteries traditionally do not perform well, when delivering the voltage that electric vehicles require. They may be relatively cheap because they contain less lithium. But the surfaces of their cathodes degrade, resulting in poor cycling stability.
Ford Motor Company appears to have found a way around lithium-metal decay, and short cycle life. ‘Rich’ means they have added more manganese, which normally increases the disadvantages of these otherwise interesting batteries. But what was the workaround they found?
What We Know of Ford’s Lithium-Manganese Batteries
Ford Motor Company’s electrified propulsion director, Charles Poon, went on LinkedIn to explain. He opened by confirming their lithium manganese-rich batteries offer lower cost, greater stability and safety, and ‘industry-leading energy density that results in longer range’.
“This isn’t just a lab experiment,” he promised. “We’re actively working to scale lithium manganese-rich cell chemistry, and integrate them into our future vehicle lineup within this decade. The team is already producing our second-gen cells at our pilot line.”
More Information
Lithium Manganese Cathodes in Batteries
Lithium-Ion Manganese Oxide Longevity
