[Electric vehicle battery] 5 major battery types, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages | Charging precautions

Lithium iron phosphate batteries use LiFePO4 as the cathode material and carbon as the anode. Their energy density is lower than that of lithium-ion batteries and can be considered a type of lithium-ion battery. LFP batteries provide stable operating temperatures and do not overheat, offering excellent reliability. Some Tesla Model 3 versions have used LFP batteries.

Additionally, LFP batteries have a longer cycle life, can withstand multiple charge/discharge cycles, and thus have a longer lifespan. The downside is lower energy density, resulting in shorter range, and battery capacity drops in cold environments.

Representative models: Tesla Model 3 (some versions), BYD Han

Advantages:

• High safety, not prone to thermal runaway

• Long lifespan, can withstand many charge/discharge cycles

• Lower cost, helps reduce EV prices

Disadvantages:

• Lower energy density, shorter range

• Poor low-temperature performance, capacity drops in cold

The Blade Battery, developed by BYD, stands out by using long, flat cells that resemble blades. The internal material is mainly lithium iron phosphate (LFP), which is cheaper than high-nickel ternary lithium batteries and helps reduce EV prices. In terms of durability, it offers 3,000 charge cycles and a battery life of up to 8 years or 1.2 million kilometers.

Blade batteries maintain stable operating temperatures and can effectively prevent overheating even under extreme conditions like crushing or puncture, greatly improving safety. The tightly packed cells also make better use of internal space, increasing overall energy density. However, the elongated shape takes up more space and requires higher installation skill.

Representative models: BYD Seal, BYD Sealion

Advantages:

• Low cost, helps reduce vehicle price

• Stable operating temperature, reduces overheating

• Battery pack is tightly packed, makes better use of space

Disadvantages:

• Unique shape, takes up more space

• More complex and costly to repair than other battery types

• Focus on range: If you often drive long distances, choose models equipped with high-density lithium-ion or solid-state batteries.

• Focus on safety: If safety is a priority, models with lithium iron phosphate or solid-state batteries are more suitable.

• Focus on cost: If you are on a budget, prioritize models with lithium iron phosphate batteries.

• Focus on low-temperature performance: While Hong Kong rarely experiences low temperatures, if you live in a cold region, choose vehicles with nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion batteries with good low-temperature performance.