An LFP battery is a type of lithium ion battery that is highly stable, has a long lifespan, and tends to be more resistant to heat degradation than their other lithium ion cousins. They are also known as lithium iron phosphate, or LiFePO4 batteries.
These are just some of the various types of batteries that fall into the lithium ion family. They are generally named after the chemicals used in the cathode, which is what lithium ions flow towards when the battery is being used.
Different EV battery compositions optimize different things, such as the life span, maximum charge speed, or how much energy a cell can hold. The specific chemistry that is used depends heavily on how it is being used.
For instance, batteries with manganese have very low internal resistance and can be charged pretty fast. However, these batteries tend to have shorter lifetimes.
For EV use, the most popular batteries are NMC (lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide) and NCA (lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxides), which combine metals with nickel and cobalt to make them last longer and hold the most energy. However, LFP batteries, also known as lithium iron phosphate, or LiFePO4 (Li = lithium, Fe = iron, PO4 = phosphate) are the new kid on the block.
Nerdy Aside: Why do LFP batteries promise to be more resistant against heat-related aging and degradation? Simply put, the Fe-PO bond in LFP compositions is stronger than the Co-O bond in cobalt-based batteries, so that if abused (short-circuited, overheated, etc.) the oxygen atoms are much harder to remove. This means that under stress, a LFP battery is more likely to resist rapid rises in temperature, which can result in permanent battery damage or in dire cases - start a fire.
While we''re excited about the adoption of more LFP technology, we are scientists, and we do want to mention the compromises that come with using LFP packs.
On their heels came news from Ford in 2023 that they plan to switch to LFP packs in European Mustang Mach-Es and in select F-150 markets in 2024. These new LFP packs are already on the road in Standard Range Mach-Es in the US, but in limited numbers. Recurrent only has a handful in our fleet so far. Fisker Ocean is also using LFP packs in their base configuration, the Sport.
Rivian announced a switch to LFP batteries and new cell configurations, allowing for faster production. They will start using LFPs in their Electric Delivery Vans for Amazon, and then switch over in their Standard Range trucks.
Since the LFP packs have lower energy density, you need a larger LFP battery for long range or mind-boggling acceleration. The larger battery adds weight and can reduce efficiency. Because of this, most automakers are only looking to use them in Standard Range and non-performance trims.
However, we will see how Ford fares with using LFP packs in their much larger, much heavier F-150s.
After some very public investigation this year, the world learned that the displayed dashboard range for most Teslas is higher than the actual, achievable range that the same cars actually get. Recurrent came up with a proprietary value, Real Range, to show the typical, achievable range we observe for an average Tesla. The chart below shows how much of the EPA range Teslas usually get, and the temperature dependence of this value.
What we see, at least for Tesla Model 3s, is two-fold:
Both of these results are exciting, although preliminary. They show differences in the ideal operating temperature for LFP batteries, which seem to get the highest range at around 70 degrees, compared to around 60 degrees for NCA packs.
They also show that the EPA range advertised for the Standard Range Model 3s is slightly closer to the truth than it is for the Long Range and Performance models. It''s important for Tesla drivers to know what their actual, achievable range is in the real world, in order to understand the limits and possibilities of their car. Of course, as we like to say with all things range, Your Mileage May Vary - and we''d love to hear your experience with your LFP battery!
Several studies show that LFP batteries have a cycle life of 2 to 4 times longer than NMC batteries. The higher cycle life is also part of the reason that Tesla recommends charging to 100%: you may not even notice any additional battery degradation on an LFP.
LFP batteries have a much higher threshold for heat, which is what causes thermal runaway, or battery fires. For LFP batteries, thermal runaway temperature is at 270 degrees C, as compared to 210 C for NMC and 150 C for NCA.
Although it's worth reiterating that the risk of any lithium battery catching on fire is very, very rare.
The recommendation to charge LFP batteries to 100% has nothing to do with the battery, and everything to do with the battery management system (BMS). Recurrent still suggests charging all lithium ion batteries to 80-85% for optimal life.
What we see in our data: Tesla drivers with LFP batteries in their cars charge beyond 90% far more than Tesla drivers with non-LFP batteries. Most non-LFP models are kept between 50% and 90% state of charge, while most LFP vehicles are charged between 90% and 100%.
Why this matters: LFP batteries hold up better to high states of charge, meaning that regularly charging them to 100% may not cause as much degradation as it would with a different battery chemistry.
Yes, LFP batteries can certainly charge in cold conditions, but it maybe slower to charge because the car needs to spend more time warming the battery. While preconditioning does resolve these issues, drivers who can''t always anticipate their cold weather trips might suffer.
In a video from November, 2021, Bjorn Nyland shows that performance doesn''t suffer, but charging speed definitely does if you don't have time to precondition. He posits that BMS updates to the SR+ Model 3 might have improved range and thermal management in the vehicle''s second winter on the road.
We expect LFP batteries to hold up better to the heat and heat-related degradation, but the true test will be time. We will continue to analyze the range of EVs across the country with and without LFP batteries.
What we see in our data: There is fairly even distribution across the US of LFP and non-LFP battery packs. Since the LFP packs come in the Standard Range models, which are more affordable, they are gaining popularity in a lot of metro areas.
Why this matters: While no lithium ion batteries love being stored in hot conditions, LFP batteries may hold up better to heat. If you live in a hot climate and know your car will have to be out in the sun, this may be a good consideration when you decide between trim levels.
Nerdy Aside: Why do LFP batteries promise to be more resistant against heat-related aging and degradation?
Simply put, the Fe-PO bond in LFP compositions is stronger than the Co-O bond in cobalt-based batteries, so that if abused (short-circuited, overheated, etc.) the oxygen atoms are much harder to remove. This means that under stress, a LFP battery is more likely to resist rapid rises in temperature, which can result in permanent battery damage or in dire cases - start a fire.
In short, yes! Switching to LFPs would reduce or eliminate the need to rely on nickel and cobalt, which are often sourced from mining operations and countries with questionable track records. A move to LFP batteries also makes it easier for American companies to participate in a domestic supply chain secure from foreign influence.
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