The most commonly used battery in the domestic electric vehicle market is the NCM battery. One of its four key components (cathode material, anode material, electrolyte, separator) is the cathode material, which uses Nickel, Cobalt, and Manganese, hence it is often referred to as a ternary battery. Since the cathode material stores and releases electricity, the composition of the materials significantly affects the battery’s performance. Due to its material properties, the NCM battery has a high energy density, making it a primary choice for electric vehicle manufacturers in a market where driving range is a critical consideration.
However, a recent shift is observed in the electric vehicle battery market. Many electric vehicle companies are beginning to adopt LFP batteries instead of the traditional NCM batteries. LFP stands for Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), which signifies a battery that uses lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material.
LFP batteries are considered to have a high cost-competitiveness compared to NCM batteries due to their reliance on iron, which has a stable supply, as well as a longer lifespan due to reduced degradation. However, they are often seen as unsuitable for electric vehicles due to their heavier weight and shorter driving range because of lower energy density.
Still, companies like Tesla, as well as major automotive manufacturers like Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Kia, along with premium brands including Mercedes and Volvo, are now applying LFP batteries. With the notion of ‘cost-effectiveness’ being introduced in the electric vehicle market, interest has increased, but this is rooted in innovations in LFP battery performance, particularly exemplified by BYD’s Blade Battery.
The Blade Battery employs a Cell-to-Pack (CTP) design, crafting battery cells into long, flat shapes resembling blades and omitting the intermediate module stage, which saves space and minimizes weight. By allowing for more batteries in the same space, it addresses the driving range deficiencies typical of LFP batteries.
Moreover, the primary advantage of LFP batteries—safety—has been significantly enhanced. BYD has publicized results from the most stringent battery endurance test known as the nail penetration test, proving the safety of the Blade Battery. Unlike NCM batteries, which can cause violent explosions and fires upon nail penetration, the Blade Battery showed no flames or smoke when subjected to similar conditions. Extreme tests, including compressive tests where a 46-ton truck drives over the battery and fire tests in ovens heated to 300 degrees Celsius, have also not resulted in fire or explosions for the Blade Battery.
Starting as a battery manufacturer, BYD has leveraged approximately 30 years of experience in battery technology development to create the Blade Battery, an LFP battery that can stand up to NCM standards. This development considers both driving range—an essential factor when purchasing electric vehicles—and fire safety, which can deter potential buyers. Currently, all major vehicles sold by BYD are equipped with Blade Batteries, and many other electric vehicle brands recognize the performance and safety of BYD’s Blade Battery for their own models. The recently launched KG Mobility’s Torres EVX has also opted for the BYD Blade Battery.
BYD’s dedication to battery technology is ongoing. Taking a step further than the CTP (Cell-to-Pack) approach, the newly developed Cell-to-Body (CTB) technology integrates the upper shell of the battery pack with the car’s body floor panel in a sandwich-like arrangement. The battery system is now integrated with the entire vehicle structure, allowing for a more stable and robust vehicle, on par with luxury cars. Based on these solid technological and product capabilities, BYD achieved the number one spot in global electric vehicle sales, having sold 1,554,000 units (including PHEVs) by July of this year.
Jin Lee daedusj@autodiary.kr