New battery chemistries

Lithium-ion can refer to a wide array of chemistries; however, it ultimately consists of a battery based on charge and discharge reactions from a metal-oxide cathode and a graphite anode. Two of the more popular lithium-ion chemistries are nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) and lithium-iron phosphate (LFP).

NMC is the dominant chemistry given its superior energy density, which has a direct impact on drive range. However, demand for nickel and cobalt has surged in recent years, and automakers are adopting strategies to hedge against the turbulent market. Nickel and cobalt are also rare and difficult to extract from the earth.

While still the minority chemistry, LFP has a lower energy density, but significant advantages. LFP does not have costly and rare nickel and cobalt elements and will cost less. It also lends itself to a high cycle life and thus longer lifetimes. LFP batteries are also more stable and less likely to catch fire than batteries with nickel and cobalt, requiring fewer protections.

LFP will therefore likely be the predominant chemistry in the high-volume vehicle segment where the driving range is not as important as affordability, safety or being earth-friendly (not using cobalt and nickel). LFP will require extremely accurate battery-monitoring technology, as it exhibits a very flat discharge curve. Read how advanced semiconductors are enabling BMS architectures for new and emerging battery chemistries in the article, What’s next in BMS? Safer, more affordable electric vehicles.

In the meantime, some vendors are investigating the use of even lower cost sodium-ion cells to compete with LFP.

Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that use a liquid electrolyte, solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte consisting of glass, ceramics, solid polymers or sulfites – hence the name. Multiple automotive manufacturers are studying solid-state batteries given their inherent performance advantages: better energy density; increased reliability and aging characteristics; significantly faster charging; and perhaps most importantly, improved safety. At high temperature, liquid electrolytes become flammable. Solid electrolytes offer higher thermal stability, which in turn can limit the risk of fires or explosions.