An Introduction on LiFePO4 batteries

Lithium iron phosphate(LiFePo4) batteries are continually sought after in the battery market for their long life and safety. This is seen recently with Tesla's Model 3 and BYD's Han series launching with LiFePO4 batteries. There are, however, disadvantages to these batteries. Grepow has fortunately been able to break through these limits with its low-temperature (lowest working temperature can reach -40℉) and high C-rate batteries.

We will explore these pros and cons of LiFeP04 batteries in this article.

Pros and Cons of LiFePO4 battery

Advantages

Long cycle life

The cycle life of a LiFe battery can reach 2000 cycles while a lead-acid battery can only reach 500 cycles. Under similar specs and conditions, the cycle life of lithium iron phosphate batteries can reach at least 6 years, which is, again, longer than lead-acid batteries.

High security

The P-O bond in the lithium iron phosphate crystal is stable and difficult to decompose and will not overcharge, generate heat or form strong oxidizing substances even at high temperatures. The decomposition temperature of lithium iron phosphate is about 1112℉, so it is safe and will not explode even in traffic accidents.

Good high-temperature performance

Generally speaking, the working environment of LiFePO4 batteries is between -4℉ to 140℉. Grepow can go beyond this with its low-temperature LiFePO4 batteries that can reach a minimum operating temperature of -40℉. The peak value of LiFePO4 battery electric heating can reach 662℉ to 932℉, and the operating temperature is a wide range. On the other hand, the peak value of other batteries, such as lithium manganate and lithium cobaltate, is only around 392℉.

No memory effect

Rechargeable batteries often work under the condition that they become fully charged and not fully discharged, and the capacity eventually falls below the rated capacity value, which is known as the memory effect. LiFePO4 batteries have the advantage over other batteries in how they do not have this phenomenon. No matter what state the battery is in, it can be charged and used right after.

Lightweight

Under the same specifications and capacity, the volume of LiFePO4 batteries is 2/3 that of the volume of lead-acid batteries. Combined with the fact that the weight is a third of lead-acid batteries, and the energy density is several times that of the lead-acid batteries, LiFePO4 batteries are an ideal replacement for their lead-acid counterpart.

No pollution

LiFePO4 batteries consist of iron and phosphate, which have a much lower environmental impact than the cobalt used in LiPo batteries. The source of these raw materials is more readily available, and the price is cheap.

Disadvantages

Low density

The tap density and compaction density are very low, resulting in lower energy density compared to that of lithium polymer batteries.

Poor low-temperature performance

Dr. Don Hillebrand, director of the Energy Storage System Center of Argonne National Laboratory, USA, said that he and his team, “tested the LiFePO4 battery, and [it] showed that it cannot make electric vehicles drive at low temperatures (below 32℉)”. However, some manufacturers, like Grepow, can produce low-temperature batteries.

Applications

New energy vehicles, solar and wind energy storage power stations, mobile communication base stations, electric logistics vehicles...these are but several applications where LiFePO4 batteries play a pivotal role in their development. There are other applications, such as emergency lighting systems, electronic cigarettes, flashlights, industrial sensor systems, as well. LiFePO4 batteries will have better development in the future by virtue of their own advantages. Market research institutions state that they are expected to surpass nickel-cobalt-manganese ternary batteries in becoming the dominant electrical energy storage chemical in the upcoming ten years. After gaining a foothold in the energy storage market, they will gradually occupy a dominant position in the field of electric vehicles. It is worth mentioning that Grepow's high C-rate, low-temperature LiFePO4 batteries can also be customized. For more information, please go here.