NMC Batteries Vs LFP Batteries
This article compares NMC Batteries and LFP Batteries. We will examine the safety, cost, and energy density of each type. In addition, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type. Hopefully, our findings will help you decide which type is right for your needs. Also, be sure to check out our comparison chart.
NMC Vs LFP Batteries
Among the two primary types of batteries, NMC and LFP batteries have their advantages and disadvantages. For starters, the former is older and more popular than its competitor, the LFP. Nonetheless, this does not make NMC batteries better or worse than LFP batteries. Currently, NMC batteries are favored for use in electric vehicles because of their lighter weight and higher energy density per kilogram. On the other hand, the LFP batteries are more prevalent in warehouses.
The main difference between LFP and NMC batteries lies in their cathode material. The former is made of cobalt, while the latter uses lithium. Lithium batteries are more expensive than their counterparts, but they are known to last for longer periods of time. Moreover, they are safer than their LFP counterparts.
LFP batteries are generally more durable and have a lower rate of degradation than NMC batteries. They are also better suited to big energy draws. The latter, on the other hand, is more prone to thermal runaway and catching fire. However, if improperly installed, NMC batteries may not last as long as the former. As long as you use a licensed installer, you’ll be able to select the most reliable battery for your needs.
In addition to their performance, LFP and NMC batteries have different drawbacks. The LFP is more efficient, while NMC is slightly cheaper. However, they are less energy-dense, which makes them more suitable for some EV applications. Ultimately, which type of battery is best for you depends on the type of car you’re driving.
Despite the differences, both NMC and LFP batteries are excellent for solar energy LFP Batteries storage. However, NMC is better for small spaces and LFP is better for large ones. However, there is some overlap between the two types of batteries. For example, LFP batteries store more energy, but NMC is better for space-constrained settings.
Safety
There are several concerns about the safety of Lithium-Polymer (Li-Po) batteries. One major concern is that they can catch fire and burn down, which is an extremely dangerous situation. Fortunately, there are several battery technologies that can help reduce the risk of a fire.
Lithium-Polymer batteries, or LFP batteries, use graphitic carbon electrodes with a metallic backing as the anode. Because of these features, the energy density of LFP batteries is less than other lithium ion batteries. Current LFP battery capacity is 125 Wh/kg, although this may increase to 160 Wh/kg with improved packing techniques. In comparison, NMC batteries have a capacity of 300 Wh/kg.
The energy density of LFP batteries can be increased by ten to fifteen percent without increasing the overall size LFP Batteries of the battery. Moreover, the parts used to manufacture battery cells can be made from 40 percent fewer parts. These changes will make LFP batteries more compact. Furthermore, Tesla’s new gigafactory in China will be much more productive than expected, with the ability to produce 3,000 vehicles per week at full capacity.
Another concern about LFP cells is their safety. While the chemistry of the battery is relatively benign, it still has the potential to catch fire during an external short-circuit. This potential hazard is caused by the amount of stored energy in the cell. In addition, LFP cells may not age properly if the SoC level is too low. But this does not mean that LFP batteries are inherently unsafe. Consumers need to be educated before they decide which type to purchase.
LFP batteries are cheaper than NCA batteries in the USA. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, which specializes in the cost of lithium ion batteries, has estimated a cost saving of at least 25 percent. However, it is worth noting that Tesla’s new LFP batteries use a rare metal called cobalt. The main sources of cobalt are in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. In the past, mining for cobalt ore has involved child labour and human rights abuses.
LFP batteries offer longer cycle life than other lithium ion batteries. However, unlike the older lead-acid technology, the LFP cells have lower operating voltages per cell. Therefore, you may need to purchase more cells to achieve a desired voltage.
Cost
For many years, the cost of LFP batteries was prohibitively expensive, and the technology was largely used in China. However, the low energy density and poor performance at low temperatures hindered the technology’s market penetration. Now that raw materials for LFP batteries are readily available, the technology has seen its price fall and safety benefits increase, and big OEMs are beginning to show interest.
The lower cost of LFP batteries makes them an attractive option for electric vehicles. In addition, they offer high-cycle life, quick charging, and good safety. However, their energy density is less than other lithium-ion battery chemistries. However, this doesn’t mean that Tesla shouldn’t use them, as they still provide a decent range.
The cost of LFP batteries is expected to decrease in the coming years. Despite the recent spike in raw materials, prices are still higher than their nickel-based counterparts. However, improvements in cell and pack engineering may lead to cheaper LFP batteries. BNEF estimates that the price of LFP cells will drop by as much as 20% in 2020 and 2019.
LFP batteries are cheaper than NCA and NMC cells. In fact, some companies are offering battery packs for as little as $90 per kWh. However, the energy density of the LFP cells is lower than the other two. Thus, LFP battery packs are a better choice for vehicles that use low energy density.
LFP batteries are also much more environmentally friendly than lead acid batteries. They require less maintenance and can be stored for up to a year without any maintenance. Furthermore, they are capable of operating in a variety of temperatures between 32oF and 120oF. Moreover, they have a much longer lifespan than lead acid batteries.
Nano One has developed a new process to reduce the cost of the cathode material in LFP batteries. The process involves mixing iron with phosphorus and carbon. This eliminates the intermediate step of making iron phosphate, and thus greatly improves the profitability of LFP production.