Lithium iron phosphate batteries are a type of rechargeable battery made with lithium-iron-phosphate cathodes. Since the full name is a bit of a mouthful, they’re commonly abbreviated to LFP batteries (the “F” is from its scientific name: Lithium ferrophosphate) or LiFePO4.
The lithium-iron-phosphate batteries have a long cycle life, with a standard charge with a 5 h rate of up to 2000 times. Lead-acid batteries have a maximum life of 1 -1.5 years, while lithium iron phosphate batteries with the same weight have a theoretical life of 7 -8 years when they are used under the same conditions.
Here are some of the most notable drawbacks of lithium iron phosphate batteries and how the EV industry is working to address them. Shorter range: LFP batteries have less energy density than NCM batteries. This means an EV needs a physically larger and heavier LFP battery to go the same distance as a smaller NCM battery.
Whenever possible, using a single string of lithium cells is usually the preferred configuration for a lithium ion battery pack as it is the lowest cost and simplest. However, sometimes it may be necessary to use multiple strings of cells. Here are a few reasons that parallel strings may be necessary:
But taken overall, lithium iron phosphate battery lifespan remains remarkable compared to its EV alternatives. While studies show that EVs are at least as safe as conventional vehicles, lithium iron phosphate batteries may make them even safer.
With the development of various lithium-ion battery chemistries such as lithium iron phosphate (LFP), there is no longer available material in the batteries to be used up, replenished, recombined, etc.
The lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO 4 battery) or LFP battery (lithium ferrophosphate) is a type of lithium-ion battery using lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO 4) as the cathode material, and a graphitic carbon electrode with a metallic backing as the anode. Because of their low cost, high safety, low toxicity, long cycle life and other factors, LFP batteries are finding a number o…