How to choose a lithium battery?Lithium - Ion Battery Equipment

Today, with the booming development of new energy vehicles, batteries, as core components, are of crucial importance in selection. However, ternary lithium batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries often leave consumers in a dilemma. Many people think that "lithium iron phosphate is safer and ternary lithium has higher energy", but the actual situation is much more complicated than this.（Lithium - Ion Battery Equipment）


I. Ternary Lithium Battery: A double-edged sword of high energy and high risk.

Ternary lithium battery, its positive electrode material is composed of three metal elements: nickel, cobalt, and manganese. This unique combination endows it with extremely high energy density. For batteries of the same size, ternary lithium can store more electrical energy, which is also the main reason why many high-end electric vehicles choose it. For example, some high-performance electric vehicles can achieve a longer cruising range with ternary lithium batteries, meeting users' needs for long-distance travel.
At the same time, the charging speed of ternary lithium batteries is astonishing. The addition of nickel and cobalt improves the conductivity of the battery, enabling lithium ions to move quickly between the positive and negative electrodes, thereby shortening the charging time. It has low internal resistance and fast electron flow, and generates relatively less heat during charging. In the fast-paced modern life, this characteristic of fast charging undoubtedly brings great convenience to users.

However, high energy density and fast charging are not without cost. Ternary lithium batteries are relatively “temperamental”. Once out of control, spontaneous combustion is likely to occur, which also makes them highly questioned. In addition, due to the high cost of nickel and cobalt, the price of ternary lithium batteries has been high.
II. Lithium iron phosphate battery: A reliable choice for safety and durability.

Lithium iron phosphate battery, with lithium iron phosphate as the main material, has a stable chemical structure and extremely high safety. Even under high temperature or overcharging conditions, it is not easy to decompose or burn. This thermal stability enables lithium iron phosphate batteries to remain "calm" under extreme conditions and become the favorite of buses and energy storage equipment.

Although the energy density of lithium iron phosphate batteries is relatively low and their endurance performance is not as good as that of ternary lithium batteries, they have an extremely long lifespan. The cycle life can reach 3,000 - 5,000 times, which is 3 to 4 times that of ternary lithium batteries. For users who use vehicles frequently, lithium iron phosphate batteries are undoubtedly a more economical and practical choice.
III. Usage differences: choices with their own merits.

1. Charging experience: Ternary lithium batteries perform better in this aspect. Due to the small difference in voltage between "fully charged" and "low battery" for lithium iron phosphate batteries, in order to accurately manage the remaining battery capacity (SOC), it is necessary to be fully charged frequently for calibration. Especially, the charging speed in the last 10% is extremely slow, which brings inconvenience to users without home charging conditions. On the other hand, ternary lithium batteries do not need to worry about these problems. Users can leave after charging only to 90% each time, which is very convenient.
2. Management requirements: If the budget is limited, lithium iron phosphate batteries are the most reliable choice. On low-cost models, car companies usually do not equip with high-quality battery management systems or a large amount of flame-retardant materials. At this time, the inherently stable lithium iron phosphate batteries have more advantages. If ternary lithium batteries are selected for low-end models, due to cost constraints, battery management and safety protection are limited, and "thermal runaway" problems are prone to occur. Purchase with caution.
3. Kinetic energy recovery: Ternary lithium batteries perform better. To prevent overcharging, car companies will turn off the kinetic energy recovery function when the battery level exceeds 90%. For lithium iron phosphate batteries, they often need to be fully charged, which means that there is no kinetic energy recovery in the first 10% of the battery level, and then it suddenly appears later, resulting in unstable driving experience.

In general, ternary lithium batteries are superior in terms of convenience and consistent experience, while lithium iron phosphate batteries are known for their safety and stability. If the budget is sufficient and you are buying a new energy vehicle priced above 250,000 yuan, ternary lithium batteries are a good choice; if the budget is limited and you are buying a model priced below 150,000 yuan, lithium iron phosphate batteries are more safe and reliable.

When choosing a battery for a new energy vehicle, consumers should comprehensively consider the characteristics of ternary lithium batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries according to their actual needs and budgets and make a wise choice. After all, what suits oneself is the best.