With the popularity of new energy vehicles, battery technology has become one of the core issues that consumers are most concerned about. Different battery types have their own advantages and disadvantages in terms of battery life, safety, lifespan and cost. How do you choose the most suitable new energy vehicle battery for yourself? This article will analyze the mainstream battery technology to help you make a wise decision.
Comparison of mainstream new energy vehicle battery types
Ternary lithium battery (NCM/NCA)
Advantages
High energy density: One of the outstanding advantages of ternary lithium batteries is their high energy density, which can usually reach 200-300Wh/kg. This feature allows vehicles to store more power in a limited battery space, thereby greatly increasing the range. For example, Tesla’s Model S long-range version, with its high-performance ternary lithium battery, easily exceeds 600 kilometers in range, providing strong protection for users’ long-distance travel.
Excellent low-temperature performance: In cold and low-temperature environments, ternary lithium batteries can still maintain good performance. When the temperature is as low as – 20℃, its battery capacity can still be maintained at around 80%, which is particularly important for users in northern regions. It effectively avoids the problem of a significant reduction in range due to low temperatures, making winter travel more secure.
Disadvantages
Poor thermal stability: The thermal runaway temperature of ternary lithium batteries is relatively low, generally more than 200 degrees. In high temperature environments or when abnormal conditions occur inside the battery, thermal runaway is likely to occur, leading to fire or even explosion, posing certain safety hazards. In the past, some models using ternary lithium batteries have experienced spontaneous combustion incidents, which has attracted widespread attention from the society.
High cost: Since the production of ternary lithium batteries requires the use of relatively expensive rare metals such as cobalt and nickel, its production cost remains high, which in turn leads to relatively high prices for new energy vehicles equipped with such batteries, which to a certain extent limits consumers’ choices.
Representative models
In addition to Tesla‘s many models, popular models of new power brands such as NIO ES6 and Xiaopeng P7 also use ternary lithium batteries. With their excellent battery life and performance, they have gained a large number of users in the market.
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery (LFP)
Advantages
High safety: The chemical structure of lithium iron phosphate batteries is stable and the risk of thermal runaway is extremely low. Under extreme test conditions such as needle puncture tests, it is not easy to catch fire or explode, showing excellent safety performance. For example, BYD’s “blade battery” belongs to lithium iron phosphate batteries. Through its unique design, it further enhances its safety performance and has won a good reputation in the market.
Long cycle life: The cycle life of this battery can usually exceed 3,000 times, which means that during long-term use, the performance of the battery decays relatively slowly, which can provide users with a longer and more stable use experience and reduce the cost and frequency of battery replacement.
Low cost: The raw materials used in lithium iron phosphate batteries are widely available and relatively cheap, making its overall production cost lower than that of ternary lithium batteries. This also makes new energy vehicles equipped with lithium iron phosphate batteries more competitive in price, which can meet the pursuit of cost-effectiveness of more consumers.
Disadvantages
Low energy density: Compared with ternary lithium batteries, the energy density of lithium iron phosphate batteries is relatively low, generally around 140-180Wh/kg. This results in the battery volume and weight being relatively large under the same power demand, which to a certain extent affects the vehicle’s space layout and handling performance, and also imposes certain restrictions on the improvement of cruising range.
Poor low temperature performance: In low temperature environments, the performance of lithium iron phosphate batteries will be greatly affected, the battery capacity will drop significantly, and the charging efficiency will also become lower. When the temperature is below 0℃, its battery capacity may drop to about 70%, which is not suitable for daily use in extremely cold areas.
Representative models
Many BYD models, such as Han EV and Tang DM-i, are equipped with lithium iron phosphate batteries, which are widely welcomed by consumers for their excellent safety performance and cost-effectiveness. In addition, some cost-effective micro electric vehicles such as Wuling Hongguang MINIEV also use lithium iron phosphate batteries, becoming a popular choice for urban commuting.
Wuling Shenlian Battery – The Uniqueness of Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery
Wuling Series Shenlian Battery belongs to lithium iron phosphate battery, but it stands out from many similar products with a series of innovative technologies.
Material and Technological Innovation
Innovative L-type safety pole ear: By adopting the innovative L-type safety pole ear design, the internal resistance of the battery is effectively reduced, the heat generation phenomenon is reduced, and the safety and stability of the battery are further improved.
Low thermal conductivity ceramic layer coating: The surface of the battery cell is coated with a low thermal conductivity ceramic layer, which can greatly prevent the occurrence of thermal runaway. In the face of extreme conditions such as high temperature and overcharging, the ceramic layer can play a good heat insulation role to ensure that the battery will not leak, precipitate lithium, catch fire or explode during use.
Optimization and upgrading of nano lithium iron phosphate materials: The optimization and upgrading of nano lithium iron phosphate materials have significantly improved the battery in terms of energy density, charge and discharge performance and cycle life, providing a stronger and more lasting power support for the vehicle.
Advanced structural design
High-strength box design: Taking the 510km flagship version as an example, the battery adopts a “日”-shaped roller-pressed large frame structure. This design greatly improves the battery pack’s ability to resist extrusion and impact at 80% special angles. At the same time, the application of 1500MPa aircraft carrier-grade ultra-high-strength steel increases the collision resistance of the battery bottom by 50%. In addition, through the optimization of the 3 horizontal and 6 vertical structures, the safe force transmission path of the battery is effectively improved, and the collision safety is further enhanced, providing all-round protection for the user’s driving safety.
MUST multifunctional integrated structure: The MUST multifunctional integrated structure used by Shenlian Battery realizes the integration of high integration, high strength, thermal management and other multifunctional functions. With the same amount of structural materials, this design increases the structural strength of the battery by more than 60%. Moreover, its maintainable structural design reduces the maintenance cost by more than 90% compared with the same-level products in the industry, saving users the cost of later use.
Intelligent Collaboration System
The car-cloud dual BMS intelligent collaboration system created by Shenlian Battery has powerful functions. On the vehicle side, it can achieve millisecond-level and millivolt-level acquisition and control accuracy, effectively improving energy efficiency and making full use of every kilowatt-hour of electricity. On the cloud, it has more than 240 safety supervision and more than 80 fault warning functions. When the battery encounters an unexpected situation, the system can actively remind the user so that timely countermeasures can be taken to ensure the safety of vehicles and personnel.
Excellent safety performance
Shenlian battery performs extremely well in safety performance. It can achieve 1/3 normal cycle of needle puncture, and will not catch fire or explode when subjected to 40% deformation. It far exceeds the industry’s safety standards and brings users an unprecedented safe driving experience.
Equipped models
Wuling Xingguang S: As Wuling Motors’ first new energy dual-power SUV, Wuling Xingguang S is equipped with Shenlian batteries. The battery uses the industry’s first cell top-end technology, which fundamentally ensures that the battery does not short-circuit, leak, precipitate lithium, or catch fire, providing solid protection for the stable operation of the vehicle and the safety of users.
A-class family sedan Wuling Xingguang: In October 2023, at the first SAIC-GM-Wuling Technology Evolution Day, the A-class family sedan Wuling Xingguang, built on a new new energy architecture, was officially unveiled. It is the first model equipped with the latest new energy technologies such as Wuling Lingxi Hybrid and Shenlian Battery. With the excellent performance of Shenlian Battery, Wuling Xingguang has outstanding performance in terms of endurance, safety, power, etc. Once launched, it has received widespread attention from the market and enthusiastic pursuit from consumers.
Recommendations for purchasing batteries for new energy vehicles
Choose according to the climate of the area of use
Northern region: Due to the low temperature in winter, the low-temperature performance requirements of the battery are high, so the ternary lithium battery is more suitable for northern users. It can still maintain good capacity and performance in low-temperature environments, which can effectively reduce the attenuation of winter cruising range and ensure the convenience of daily travel.
Southern region: The climate in the south is generally warmer, and there are relatively more high-temperature days. The stability advantage of lithium iron phosphate batteries in high-temperature environments is highlighted, and its high safety and low cost are more in line with the use needs and economic considerations of southern users.
Pay attention to battery safety performance
The safety performance of the battery is a key factor that cannot be ignored when purchasing new energy vehicles. Lithium iron phosphate batteries have outstanding safety performance with their stable chemical structure and extremely low risk of thermal runaway. Especially for consumers who attach great importance to vehicle safety, models equipped with lithium iron phosphate batteries are undoubtedly a more reliable choice. For example, Wuling’s Shenlian battery has further enhanced its safety performance through a series of innovative technologies, providing users with all-round safety protection
Consider the purpose and budget of the vehicle
Daily commuting: If the vehicle is mainly used for daily urban commuting, the mileage is relatively short, and the requirements for the cruising range are not particularly high, then you can give priority to lithium iron phosphate battery models that are more affordable and cost-effective. This type of vehicle can not only meet daily travel needs, but also save users money on car purchase and subsequent use costs.
There is a need for long-distance travel: For users who often need to travel long distances, the cruising range is very important. The high energy density of ternary lithium batteries enables it to provide vehicles with longer cruising range, which is more suitable for the needs of such users. However, it should be noted that the price of ternary lithium battery models is usually higher, and it is necessary to consider it comprehensively in combination with your own budget when purchasing a car.
Conclusion
when purchasing new energy vehicles, the choice of battery type is crucial. Consumers should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of ternary lithium batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries according to their actual needs, usage environment, budget and other factors, and make the most appropriate choice. At the same time, products with innovative technology and excellent performance such as Wuling Baojun series Shenlian batteries also provide consumers with more high-quality choices, helping everyone start a new green, efficient and safe travel life.
Which battery type of new energy vehicle would you choose? Welcome to discuss in the comments section!