Usually, manganese is used in combination with lithium in a range of batteries such as lithium manganese oxide (LMO) batteries, lithium iron manganese phosphate batteries (LiFeMnPO4) and lithium manganese spinels, which is a cathode. Nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) batteries are also popular at the moment.
Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) batteries have a higher energy density compared to LFP batteries, making them increasingly popular in the electric vehicle industry. They strike a balance between energy density and cost, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
In this section, we will explore four main types of lithium-ion batteries commonly used in electric cars: lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), and lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA).
It is a cathode material in EVs, designed to increase their safety aspect, energy density and cost effectiveness. An average EV battery consists of about 20 kgs of manganese, as well as 14 kgs of cobalt. Manganese is cheaper to mine than lithium and there is much more of it available.
There are different types of lithium-ion batteries used in EVs, including lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, and lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide. Each battery type has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, and the selection depends on factors such as energy density, safety, and cost.
Manganese batteries have been attracting attention recently as potential alternatives to lithium batteries. Usually, cobalt, nickel and lithium are the most in-demand metals for EV batteries but manganese is also useful. It is a cathode material in EVs, designed to increase their safety aspect, energy density and cost effectiveness.