LiFePO₄ battery & packs suppliers shuffle production priorities

Marked shift to Li-ion types NCM and NCA in key application electric vehicles spurs LiFePO₄ battery and packs makers' turnaround.

The accelerated development of rival Li-ion batteries such as NCM and NCA has disrupted the roadmap for the LiFePO₄ chemistry's domination in high-power applications, mainly passenger-type electric vehicles or EVs. This has prompted many China makers targeting this green automotive sector to de-emphasize the lithium iron phosphate category and boost output for the first two variants. For suppliers such as AntBatt Co. Ltd, yield is now split between LiFePO₄ and NCM/NCA, with the latter to get a bigger share in coming years.

NCM and NCA types have been gaining market attention in recent years because of advantages over LiFePO₄ counterparts in terms of capacitance density, charging efficiency and charging performance in low temperatures. As such, these are projected to become the mainstream power sources for passenger EVs.

The trend is reflected in China's battery shipments for the EV market, with the ratios between these contending chemistries continuing to change. From 69 and 28 percent in 2015 and 60 and 38 percent in 2016, respectively for the LiFePO₄ and NCM/NCA segments, the estimate for 2017 is an even 50 percent for both, according to Sohu News. This will tip in favor of the latter in one or two years.

The switch is also evident in the EV manufacturing industry in China. Companies, including BAIC BJEV, Dongfeng Nissan, BMW, Volvo and Benz, have been rolling out units that run on NCM and NCA batteries. The country's largest maker, BYD, will do the same, announcing its 2018 EV models will adopt these chemistries. Complementing this move, it plans to build a new factory for NCM and NCA batteries in Qinghai province. The facility will have an annual production capacity of 10GWh. In 2017, BYD realized 16GWh total capacity, with 10GWh for LiFePO₄ and 6GWh for NCM and NCA units.

One other factor fueling the shift focus to NCM and NCA batteries is the speculation that local authorities may reduce or cancel EV subsidies in 2018. Many believe this will affect LiFePO₄ battery production to a large extent.

Despite the scenario, the LiFePO₄ battery sector in China will remain on the growth path, albeit at a slower pace. From over 50 percent between 2015 and 2016, the increase in shipments tapered significantly to 10 to 20 percent in 2017, according to China market research company Ways. This is likewise the trend in coming months as NCM and NCA types eat into LiFePO₄'s application base.

In commercial or public transport vehicles, however, the lithium iron phosphate battery is still the first choice because of remaining safety issues concerning its rival chemistries. In addition, LiFePO₄ batteries have a market in solar power systems, wind turbines, UPS and backup power systems.

About 200 suppliers make up the manufacturing sector of LiFePO₄ batteries in China, most of which also turn out battery packs. Some offer NCM, NCA, NiMH and lead-acid kinds as well.

More than 80 percent of the companies are locally owned. Besides BYD, the local leaders include Contemporary Amperex, Optimum Nano, Hefei Guoxuan and Zhuhai Yinlong.

Over half of the suppliers in China gather in the province of Guangdong, mainly in the cities of Shenzhen and Dongguan. The others are in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces, and in Shanghai and Tianjin.

LiFePO₄ batteries & packs

Widely available LiFePO₄ batteries and packs in China are in 300mAh to 500Ah variants.

Batteries or cells come in cylindrical and prismatic types, and 14500, 18650, 26650, 32650 and 38120 sizes. These have 300 to 5,000mAh capacity, 3.2V rated voltage, 0.5 to 1.5C charge and 2 to 5C discharge rates, and over 500-cycle life span.

Mainstream battery packs are in choices of capacity ranging from 10 to 500Ah, rated voltage of 12 to 576V and life span of 800 to 2,000 cycles. The main applications are EVs, including bicycles and golf cars, and wind turbines and UPS.

The main manufacturing inputs are iron phosphate, graphite, electrolytes and separators. Except the last, these come from local companies. Makers turn to Japan companies, including Asahi and Tonen, for separators, while Tianjin STL, Shenzhen BTR and Hunan Shanshan are the key domestic providers of iron phosphate.

The cost of materials and components and the prices of LiFePO₄ batteries and packs are anticipated to stabilize in coming months.

The products in this gallery have been handpicked by our China-based market analyst for representing current trends in LiFePO₄ battery packs from China makers.

300W LiFePO₄ battery pack in 4S8P

In 4S8P configuration, model LiFePO412.8V25.6Ah battery pack from AntBatt Co. Ltd uses 26650 cells with 3.2V and 3,200mAh specifications. The power output is 300W.

The unit supports more than 1,800 cycles. It measures 108x55x272mm.

Order quantity is negotiable. Delivery lead time is 20 days.

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150Ah LiFePO₄ battery pack for EVs

Shenzhen Biyate Energy Co. Ltd's LiFePO4 battery pack, BYT55250209-6012 model, provides 150Ah capacity and has a life span exceeding 2,000 cycles. It suits EVs, including buses, bicycles and scooters. The product is UL-listed and CE-approved.

The minimum order is 1,000 units and the delivery lead time 5 days.

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36V LiFePO₄ battery pack delivers 15Ah

This battery pack from Shenzhen Eastar Battery Co. Ltd, 36V15AhLiFePo4Battery model, consists of IFR2665-3300 cells and includes a protective circuit board. The nominal voltage is 36V and the nominal capacity 15Ah at 0.2C discharge rate.

The unit has 0.2C standard charge and 3C continuous discharge rates. The cables and XT60 connectors are bundled with the battery pack.

The maker requires an order of at least 50 units for delivery within 10 days.

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LiFePO₄ battery pack for solar power systems, UPS

Shenzhen Hailei New Energy Co. Ltd markets LiFePO4batterypack3.2V60Ah model for solar power systems, UPS and backup power. Maximum dimensions are 27x135x206mm.

The unit has 60Ah rated capacity, 3.6V end-of-charge voltage and 2.5V cutoff voltage. It meets CE, RoHS and UL requirements.

The minimum order of 100 units is delivered within 20 days.

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