Report: LG Energy Solution Developing LFP Batteries

So far the company was known mostly for the NCM lithium-ion chemistry.

By: Mark Kane

Sep 6, 2021 at 3:15pm ET

Comment

LG Chem's LG Energy Solution is expected to expand its EV battery offer with the LFP (lithium iron phosphate) lithium-ion chemistry (the oldest one), which is gaining popularity again.

So far, LG Energy Solution was focused on the NCM (nickel, cobalt, manganese) cathode chemistry and new NCMA (nickel, cobalt, manganese and aluminum) to achieve the best energy density and reduce the cobalt content to keep costs under control.

According to The Elec, the company has realized that the LFP chemistry also has business potential despite its lower energy density, because it's cobalt- and nickel-free, less expensive and considered safe. Recently, Tesla introduced the LFP battery option in the U.S.

We can only guess that developments were triggered by the customer inquiries as well as observations on how well the CATL and BYD are progressing - the energy density of the cells improved to a decent level, affordability is very important in the mass market, and the cell-to-pack design makes LFP a very competitive option.

Developments reportedly started in late 2020 in Daejeon, South Korea and recently gained traction after some slowdowns earlier this year.

The South Korean media reports that LG Energy Solution will use LFP in pouch format (like the A123 Systems a decade ago). The pilot plant will be ready in 2022.

It's too early to say anything more, but within a few years, we might see electric vehicles with LG Energy Solution's LFP batteries. This chemistry is especially suitable for entry-level EVs or heavy vehicles, as well as for energy storage market.

The LFP batteries potentially might even dominate the EV market as long as they will stay within range and weight limits (those are key). The top models with higher range or performance requirements probably will use more energy-dense chemistries.

Tell us what you think!

View

Comments