In the new energy vehicle market, the most common lithium-ion batteries are lithium iron phosphate batteries and ternary lithium batteries. So, which is better, lithium iron phosphate batteries or ternary lithium batteries? Let's find out.
I. Lithium iron phosphate batteries: long cycle life and good safety
A lithium iron phosphate battery is a lithium-ion battery that uses lithium iron phosphate as the positive electrode material and carbon as the negative electrode material. The rated voltage of a single cell is 3.2V, and the charging cut-off voltage is 3.6V~3.65V.
During charging, some lithium ions in the lithium iron phosphate battery are released and transferred to the negative electrode via the electrolyte, where they embed into the carbon material. Simultaneously, electrons are released from the positive electrode and travel from the external circuit to the negative electrode, maintaining the chemical reaction balance. During discharging, lithium ions are released from the negative electrode and travel to the positive electrode via the electrolyte. At the same time, electrons are released from the negative electrode and travel from the external circuit to the positive electrode, providing energy to the surrounding environment.
Lithium iron phosphate batteries have the advantages of high operating voltage, high energy density, long cycle life, good safety performance, low self-discharge rate, and no memory effect.
II. Ternary lithium batteries: high energy density and low-temperature resistance
Ternary lithium batteries (also known as ternary polymer lithium batteries) generally refer to ternary polymer lithium batteries. Ternary polymer lithium batteries are lithium batteries that use ternary cathode materials, such as lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide or lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide, as the positive electrode material. Ternary composite cathode materials use nickel salts, cobalt salts, and manganese salts as raw materials, and the proportions of nickel, cobalt, and manganese can be adjusted according to actual needs. Batteries using ternary materials as the cathode are safer than lithium cobalt oxide batteries, but their voltage is too low, resulting in a noticeable lack of capacity when used in mobile phones.
III. Overall Comparison: Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries are Superior
With advancements in battery pack structure development technology, the energy density of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries has reached the level of ternary NCM523 batteries and continues to improve. Compared to ternary lithium batteries, LFP batteries offer significant advantages due to their lower raw material costs, higher safety, and longer lifespan. Many battery manufacturers are confident in the larger market potential of LFP batteries. Once fully commercialized, the advantages of LFP batteries—low cost, long lifespan, and high safety—will gradually become apparent in the passenger car, commercial vehicle, and special-purpose vehicle sectors.
