Lithium iron phosphate

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Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) is a compound used in lithium iron phosphate batteries (related to Li-Ion batteries). It is targeted for use in electric vehicles and some laptops.

Most lithium batteries (Li-ion) used in 3C (computer, communication, consumer electronics) products are mostly lithium cobalt oxide batteries. Other lithium batteries include lithium manganese oxide (LiMn₂O₄), lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO₂), and lithium iron phosphate (LFP). The cathodes of lithium batteries are made with the above materials, and the anodes are generally made of carbon.

LFP battery also has its drawbacks. There are ongoing international patent suits regarding this technology, and mass production with stable and high quality still faces many challenges. The size/capacity ratio of LFP battery is much lower than LiCoO₂ battery, and the market acceptance for large-size batteries is rather low, making LFP battery hard to massively commercialize. Battery players across the world are currently working to find a way to get the maximum storage performance out of smaller size/weight.

Example application

  China pushed for cleaner air ahead of the Olympics by ordering electric buses for transport at the games and in the city of Beijing. The technology chosen was originally hydrogen battery fuel cells but was changed to LiFePO₄ in order to meet critical path milestones of the contract, and costs. The system battery voltage has been set at 360 VDC with a variety of KWh ratings depending on the route of the particular bus. Ranges are expected to be 150 to 300 kilometers per charge. Lithium powered buses offer a solution to the growing air pollution in the cities in and around the more developed China harbor area, and the Olympic village.

See also

Lithium iron phosphate battery