BMW iX being tested with prototype Our Next Energy lithium iron phosphate battery
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries already power most electric vehicles in the Chinese market and are beginning to make inroads in North America. These aren't new; they were invented in the US. However, automakers hesitated to use them due to the range limitations that were once a concern. This is changing thanks to advancements by companies like Our Next Energy (ONE) and Mitra Chem.
Most EVs in North America currently use lithium-ion batteries with nickel-cobalt chemistry, balancing range, power, and size but at a high price. Nickel and cobalt prices have surged, doubling since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and their volatile prices make them less reliable. Moreover, these chemistries pose safety risks, leading to recalls in recent years.
The presence of oxygen in nickel-cobalt mixtures can cause thermal runaway, creating difficult-to-extinguish fires. In contrast, LFP batteries contain no oxygen, making them safer and more durable. While they have lower energy density—about 30-40% less than nickel batteries—they endure thousands of charge cycles and can withstand fast charging.
Our Next Energy
Michigan-based ONE, founded by Mujeeb Ijaz, aims to create safer, cheaper, and more sustainable batteries. Their latest Aries II battery pack claims to be within 6% of the energy density of leading nickel-manganese-cobalt packs but at 25% lower cost. Using a cell-to-pack (C2P) architecture, the Aries II fits significantly more cells into the same enclosure, improving efficiency.
Typical packs use a box-in-a-box design, which wastes space and increases costs. The Aries II directly integrates cells into the enclosure with heat sinks and cooling plates, optimizing space usage. This design promises EVs with up to 350 miles of range per charge. The prototype Gemini battery has even surpassed 750 miles in a Tesla Model S by using both LFP and anode-free manganese cells, significantly reducing overall costs.
ONE’s factory in Van Buren, Michigan, will begin production by the end of the year, scaling up to 20 GWh by 2025. Initially targeting commercial vehicles and grid storage, ONE plans to expand to high-volume vehicle programs by 2027, already partnering with BMW for testing.
Mitra Chem
Ford has committed to using LFP cells in its vehicles starting this year with the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. Meanwhile, GM invested $60 million in Mitra Chem, focusing on developing lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) for improved performance. Using machine learning, Mitra Chem aims to accelerate the development of superior chemistries.
Improving cold-weather performance of iron-based cells is a significant goal. With advances in LFP and LMFP cells, the future of EV batteries promises enhanced durability, safety, and affordability, making sustainable electric driving accessible for more consumers.
For more information, please visit lithium ion forklift batteries.
Comments
0