New energy vehicles choose lithium-ion batteries instead of lead-acid batteries for their power lithium batteries because lithium-ion batteries are more suitable as power lithium batteries, even though they are more expensive, because they perform better.
First, from a technical perspective, lithium-ion batteries have a longer lifespan, generally exceeding six years. They are also smaller in size and have a higher energy density, 6-7 times that of lead-acid batteries. Furthermore, the high-performance charge and discharge energy of lithium-ion batteries can maximally meet the high-intensity starting and acceleration demands of automobiles. More importantly, lithium-ion batteries can be commercialized on a large scale. Second, from a policy perspective, the dual-credit policy places higher demands on the driving range of new energy vehicles. For companies that inflate their driving range claims, choosing lithium-ion batteries as their power source can effectively address the issue of failing to meet range standards.
Judging from recent industry development trends, my country's new energy vehicle industry has entered a stage of rapid growth. However, various problems still exist in their development process. These include immature lithium-ion battery technology, high lithium-ion battery costs, an incomplete after-sales service network/incomplete after-sales supply chain, and a lack of technical personnel.
The pain points of new energy vehicles: high cost of lithium-ion batteries and obvious technological shortcomings
Lithium-ion batteries have become the preferred choice for new energy vehicles due to their mature technology, wide application range, and low promotion costs. However, their shortcomings in range and charging time have also become challenges for market promotion.
Driven by policy support and the release of market demand, my country's new energy vehicle production and sales have been booming in recent years. However, in the eyes of some consumers, new energy vehicles are merely "good-looking." High prices, charging difficulties, safety and driving performance concerns, and the gap between traditional gasoline vehicles and other factors make them hesitant to purchase them. In response, industry insiders suggest that the promotion of new energy vehicles must overcome the shortcomings of lithium-ion battery technology.
Today, new energy vehicles are about to undergo a major transformation. Previously, most new energy vehicles used ternary lithium-ion batteries, but these batteries suffered from drawbacks such as insufficient energy density and, even when achieved, significant instability. For new energy vehicles, the quality of lithium-ion batteries is fundamental. Without breakthroughs in battery technology, the development of new energy vehicles will undoubtedly face a bottleneck.
The surge in downstream demand has presented a business opportunity, but a crucial point has been overlooked: the pain points of new energy vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries are expensive and have significant technological shortcomings. While car sales are rising, the anticipated price increases for both lithium-ion batteries and battery materials in the coming years are also a concern, and the technological challenges of lithium-ion batteries remain unresolved. Range anxiety and limited capacity have become unavoidable major problems for new energy vehicles.
New policies for new energy vehicles are constantly emerging, and times are changing. The biggest pain points in the new energy vehicle market are that "even the brightest moonlight in a ditch" and "policies alone cannot open up the private consumer market." The problems with lithium-ion batteries manifest in two ways: first, the high cost of lithium-ion batteries leads to high prices for new energy vehicles; second, the debate over the technological routes of ternary lithium-ion batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries has delayed the formulation of new energy vehicle battery standards.
How can we enhance the future development and market competitiveness of lithium-ion batteries for new energy vehicles? One crucial approach is to optimize the material and manufacturing costs of lithium-ion battery cells. Through accurate reference cost calculations and cost driver analysis of lithium-ion battery cells, we can systematically identify strategies and even technical methods for reducing their technological costs. One of the core tasks in effectively planning the cost of new energy vehicles and developing safe, reliable, and affordable models for customers is optimizing the technological cost of lithium-ion battery cells.
Regarding battery selection, the market is beginning to focus on investment opportunities arising from the resurgence of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. Currently, LFP battery systems can achieve an energy density of 140Wh/kg, with costs 10% to 15% lower than ternary lithium batteries. Replacing low-end models with LFP batteries can result in cost savings of 0.3 to 6,000 yuan. LFP batteries are attractive in both performance and price. The sales volume of new energy vehicles is increasing year by year, and the demand for lithium-ion batteries is also expanding. With continuous technological advancements, the future of lithium-ion batteries for new energy vehicles is bright, regardless of the type of battery used.
