What are the differences between ternary lithium batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries?
3 Answers
Ternary lithium batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries differ in terms of properties, main materials, and applications. Below is a detailed introduction: Properties: Lithium iron phosphate battery: A lithium-ion battery that uses lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material; Ternary lithium battery: A lithium battery whose cathode material is nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide or nickel-cobalt-aluminum oxide ternary cathode material. Main materials: Lithium iron phosphate battery: The cathode materials of lithium-ion batteries mainly include lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganese oxide, lithium nickel oxide, ternary materials, and lithium iron phosphate. Among them, lithium cobalt oxide is the cathode material for most lithium-ion batteries; Ternary lithium battery: The ternary composite cathode material is made from nickel salt, cobalt salt, and manganese salt as raw materials, and the ratio of nickel, cobalt, and manganese can be adjusted according to actual needs. Applications: Lithium iron phosphate battery: Large electric vehicles: buses, electric vehicles, sightseeing cars, and hybrid vehicles; Light electric vehicles: electric bicycles, golf carts, small flat battery cars, forklifts, cleaning vehicles, electric wheelchairs, etc.; Power tools: electric drills, saws, lawn mowers, etc. Ternary lithium battery: Widely used in mobile and wireless electronic devices, power tools, hybrid and electric vehicles, and other fields.
The main differences between ternary lithium and lithium iron phosphate batteries lie in performance and cost. I believe ternary lithium batteries have higher energy density, meaning the same-sized battery can store more electricity, allowing electric vehicles to travel farther on a single charge, with less impact from low temperatures in winter. However, they are more expensive and carry a risk of thermal runaway, making them prone to overheating and catching fire, which makes them less suitable for high-temperature regions. On the other hand, lithium iron phosphate batteries have lower energy density and shorter range, but they are much safer, more stable, and less likely to catch fire. They also have a longer lifespan, can endure more charge-discharge cycles, and are more cost-effective with lower maintenance, making them particularly suitable for daily commuting or family use. From my experience, if you prioritize speed and long-distance driving, ternary lithium is the way to go, but if safety and affordability are your main concerns, lithium iron phosphate is the better choice. Nowadays, many automakers are combining the two to optimize range and reliability, balancing the demands of new energy vehicles.
There's quite a difference between these two battery types in practical use. With my NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) lithium-ion battery car, I can drive about 400 kilometers on a single charge, which makes long-distance trips more convenient. However, the battery is expensive, resulting in higher vehicle prices, and requires fast-charging station support. There's also concern about overheating issues in summer, such as accidents caused by fan failure. On the other hand, LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries are cheaper with lower maintenance. My neighbor uses this type, with a range of approximately 350 kilometers, requiring slightly more frequent charging. But they last over 10 years without replacement, offering stable performance with low risk of spontaneous combustion and excellent cost-effectiveness, making them ideal for budget-conscious buyers or commuters. In the long run, the choice depends on your daily routes and temperature environment. Pairing with a smart charger can further improve efficiency.
