Li-polymer batteries & packs with NCM, NCA cathode materials now mainstream

Development efforts in China's production of Li-polymer batteries and packs have yielded types with a higher power density and longer life span.

Initiatives to improve Li-polymer batteries and packs, specifically power density and life span, have pushed China makers to adopt alternative cathode materials more broadly. As a result, NCA and NCM types are now part of the mainstream selection, along with those that use LiFePO₄ and LiMn₂O₄ inputs. These will continue to dominate R&D work and are forecast to have a greater share of production and shipments in coming years.

Suppliers have been keeping an eye on developments in solid polymer electrolytes as well, commercialization of which will advance the trend for solid-state batteries. These next-generation batteries can pack in as much as 400Wh/kg power density and support up to 3,000 cycles.

With bright prospects ahead, a number of homegrown companies, including Pingmei National, Ganfeng and the Vision Group, have been engaged in the research and production of such products. Another maker, Fujian Super, is investing a total of $441 million in a 420,000sqm factory in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province. Once fully operational, the facility will churn out 1 billion Ah of high-capacity solid-state Li-polymer power batteries. The annual production value it will generate is estimated at $1.1 billion.

More makers are seen to follow suit and boost the local industry's position in this new category. At present, China has 362 patents and ranks third to Japan and the US, according to the Ministry of Information Industry.

When more breakthroughs are reached, the Li-polymer battery line is forecast to gradually replace traditional Li-ion and older NiMH units.

Based on current specifications, Li-polymer batteries already exceed rival chemistries. Thickness is achievable at less than 1mm, while Li-ion types can go no thinner than 3.6mm. Capacity is 5 to 15 percent higher compared with the latter of the same size. At similar capacity, Li-polymer units are 20 to 40 percent lighter in weight than Li-ion models.

In addition, internal resistance can be as low as 35mohm, resulting in reduced power dissipation and longer life span. But the most prominent advantage is improved safety. Owing to the gel polymer electrolyte used, Li-polymer variants have less chances of exploding or catching fire.

As such, demand for Li-polymer batteries and packs has been on the rise, especially from the mobile electronics, electric vehicle or EV and medical equipment markets. China suppliers benefited with a sales increase of more than 10 percent in the past two years and are expecting the same growth rate in 2019 and 2020. They are prepared to adjust output to meet the rise in orders.

A major manufacturing base for the line, China accounts for over 30 percent of global shipments. About 400 companies make up its industry and the majority are locally owned. The key suppliers include Lishen, BYD, BAK and ATL, all of which have high-technology and mass production capability. They cater to the midrange and upscale segments.

Most domestic and foreign-invested makers in China also offer Li-ion, NiMH and lead-acid units. Li-polymer types represent between 30 and 70 percent of their shipments.

Local companies export their yield mainly to Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region.

The province of Guangdong remains the center of production, playing host to more than two-thirds of the suppliers in the cities of Shenzhen, Dongguan and Zhongshan. The other makers are spread over Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces, and Shanghai.

250 to 4,000mAh options

China manufacturers offer Li-polymer batteries mainly for consumer electronics, and battery packs for EVs and power storage applications.

Besides NCA, NCM, LiFePO₄ and LiMn₂O₄ kinds, the range includes units based on LiCoO₂ cathode materials.

Mainstream products come in capacity ranging from 250 to 4,000mAh and have a typical life span of 500 cycles. Various shapes are available. The minimum thickness is 0.5mm.

Most suppliers comply with key industry standards, including CE, RoHS and UL.

Cathode and anode materials are purchased from local or foreign providers, depending on customers' preference. Separators come mainly from Asahi Kasei and Tonen of Japan, and Celgard of the US.

Cathode and anode inputs account for 40 and 15 percent of total production cost, separators for 20 to 30 percent and electrolytes for 15 percent.

Companies hope the outlay for materials and components will stabilize in the months ahead. In 2018, when costs rose, the majority did not adjust their product prices to stay competitive.

The products in this gallery have been handpicked by our China-based market analyst for representing current trends in Li-polymer batteries from China makers.

450mAh Li-polymer battery lasts 500 cycles

From Dongguan Perfect Amperex Technology Ltd, this 3.8V Li-polymer battery, PATL463030 model, delivers 450mAh capacity and supports 500 cycles. The unit with 3 or 4.2V cutoff voltage has 0.2C standard charge and discharge, 1C maximum charge and 1.5C pulse discharge rates. It meets CE, IEC 62133, REACH, RoHS, UL and UN 38.3 standards.

The 3,000-unit minimum order is delivered within 15 days.

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3.7V Li-polymer battery packs 1,100mAh

This Li-polymer battery from Hunan Sanhe New Energy Co. Ltd, 1100mAh 503759 3.7V model, has 1,100mAh and 3.7V nominal capacity and voltage. Its maximum and cutoff voltages are 4.2 and 2.85V. The 32g unit measuring 5±0.2x37±0.5x59±0.5mm has 2C maximum charge and 10C maximum discharge rates, and ≤45ohm impedance. It conforms to CE, KC, PSE and RoHS requirements.

The minimum order is 500 units for delivery in 20 days.

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5,000mAh Li-polymer battery

Shandong Jayu & RealForce Enterprises Co. Ltd's 3.2V Li-polymer battery, FRE-F5-58100125 model, delivers 5,000mAh capacity. The 5.8x100x125mm unit has standard charge and maximum discharge rates of 0.3 and 1C. Its maximum continuous discharge rate is 0.5C.

The maker requires a minimum order of 10 units. Delivery lead time is 25 days.

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Li-polymer battery supports 500 cycles

The model 103040 Li-polymer battery from Shenzhen Glida Electronics Co. Ltd provides 1,200mAh capacity and has a 500-cycle life span. The 3.7V unit with 0.2C standard charge and discharge rate complies with CB, CE, IEC 62133, UL and UN 38.3.

An order of at least 3,000 units is for delivery within 15 days.

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