NMC vs LFP batteries? How does the chemical composition affect your electric vehicle’s capabilities

With electric vehicles penetrating deeper into the Indian market with every passing day, discussions around various aspects of electric vehicles are becoming very common amongst people. One such conversation is around the type of batteries that an electric vehicle should come with. In this article, we will try to dissect the two main types of batteries that are available with most EVs in India. 

Also read: Every Electric SUV You Can Buy with BaaS: Which One Offers the Best Value?

So what exactly are NMC and LFP batteries in the first place?

The term NMC stands for Nickel Manganese Cobalt. In this battery setup, the cathode of the battery comprises these three metals that come together to create a structure where Lithium ions can efficiently flow during the charging and discharging of a vehicle. 

On the other hand, the term LFP stands for Lithium Iron Phosphate. In this battery setup, the cathode is in the form of a crystal, which allows the Lithium ions to have a more robust structure to be in, thereby improving the durability and longevity aspect of the battery.   

What exactly are the merits of NMC batteries

• The first and most important merit that NMC batteries have is that of reliable range. In a country like ours, where the charging infrastructure is in its nascent to intermediate stages of development, it is crucial to have a vehicle which will offer a reliable real-world range. Generally, it has been seen that NMC battery-equipped vehicles do offer this reliability.
• A lot of parts of our country, especially the hilly regions in the north and north-east, experience extremely cold weather conditions during the winter months. In such weather conditions, NMC batteries are known to maintain their discharge rates and handle fast charging without a fuss.
• Another major benefit that NMC batteries provide is that they can be easily packaged in a rather compact form, which makes them very good candidates for electric vehicles that would be placed in the sub-4 m segment. This easy and compact packaging has also allowed many OEMs to transition their ICE products to electric without having to develop a new skateboard platform

Demerits of NMC batteries 

• While NMC batteries perform well in cold weather conditions, the same cannot be said for them when temperatures rise. In fact, given the chemistry of the NMC battery pack, there is a risk of thermal runaway leading to fires if the battery is consistently exposed to extremely high temperatures (45 degrees Celsius or above). To prevent this from happening, robust battery management and cooling systems need to be designed in the vehicles, which adds to the cost aspect.
• Another major issue that is commonly seen on NMC batteries is the fact that they generally last for about 1000-2000 charge cycles before requiring a replacement. This may not be an issue for someone who doesn’t drive a lot, but people with high amounts of running may actually run through these many cycles very easily.
• Then there’s also the costing part, which comes into play. NMC batteries contain precious metals such as Nickel and cobalt, which are extremely expensive. As a result, OEMs that equip vehicles with these batteries tend to have trouble pricing the market. This is especially important in a country like ours where the price of a vehicle determines its value quotient. 

Merits of LFP batteries

• Unlike NMC batteries, which require extremely expensive precious metals for the battery pack, LFP batteries rely on materials such as Iron and phosphorus, which are available in abundant quantities. This reduces the input cost while making batteries, and consequently makes it easier for OEMs to price their vehicles competitively.
• Also, LFP batteries tend to last for about 3000-5000 charge cycles on average. This makes LFP batteries a much better option not only for people who tend to drive long distances regularly but also makes them suitable for commercial applications in the form of taxis.
• It is a known fact that vast portions of our country have to deal with extreme heat for an extended period of time, and this is where LFP batteries shine. Even under such conditions, these batteries don’t tend to experience thermal runaway, thereby keeping the safety aspect intact. This is very important in a market like ours where people have experienced their electric scooters catching fire randomly out of nowhere. 

Demerits of LFP batteries

• If LFP batteries are known to be excellent in terms of safety when it comes to handling weather conditions with extreme heat, these batteries find it very difficult to handle extremely cold conditions. Under extremely cold weather conditions, LFP batteries tend to lose voltage, and consequently they tend to lose a lot of their claimed range as well.
• Another issue with LFP batteries is packaging constraints. The lower energy density per cell means these batteries must be packaged as a large block. This constraint often means that OEMs need to develop bespoke skateboard platforms for their vehicles to accommodate the battery pack. For example, while the Tata Punch ICE and Tata Punch EV look similar from the exterior, the latter is based on a skateboard platform for this particular reason.
• Because of this packaging constraint, most LFP battery packs tend to add a lot of dead weight to the vehicle. While on one hand it improves the stability of the vehicle, at the same time it reduces the acceleration. This packaging constraint of the LFP battery packs at times either causes compromises in the boot space of the vehicle or in the legroom of the vehicle. This is very evident in the Tata Curvv EV, where the higher floor to accommodate the battery pack makes the rear seat slightly uncomfortable, as you are seated in a slightly knees-up position.
• Another demerit of LFP batteries is that they tend to drop voltage suddenly at times, which makes it difficult for the software to predict the remaining range, especially during highway drives. 

Which battery makes sense for the Indian market? 

• The Indian market is one where consumers are more about finding the best value-for-money product than just deciding on a product which is superior only on the technical front. As a result, pricing becomes a very crucial aspect in this market. That’s where LFP batteries come into play. They are not only cost-effective but have also showcased better durability and heat tolerance as well which makes them ideal candidates for our market. 
• NMC batteries also have their place in our market, where weather conditions generally vary from cold to very cold throughout the year. Also, NMC batteries are more likely to be found in EVs where more performance and consistent range are required regularly. So premium vehicle buyers are likely to prefer this battery setup in their EVs 

Also read: Are Electric Cars Safe? A Complete Guide For Indian Buyers

To sum up, both types of battery packs make a solid case for themselves in a market like ours. LFP battery-equipped vehicles, on one hand, will appeal to those who want a vehicle that offers a higher value-for-money quotient, while on the other hand, NMC battery-equipped vehicles will appeal to those who want zero compromises in terms of performance and range and live in places where weather conditions are good throughout the year.