Automakers are increasingly adopting lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries as a viable alternative for their more affordable electric vehicles. This shift in the industry has significant implications for users, as LFP batteries require a different charging regimen compared to traditional nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries, which still dominate the electric vehicle market.
A detailed analysis conducted by Engineering Explained in a recent video explains that manufacturers are beginning to offer new, specific recommendations for vehicles equipped with LFP batteries. For instance, the Ford Mustang Mach-E owner’s manual suggests setting the maximum charge rate to 100% and ensuring the battery is charged to that level at least once a month. Similarly, Tesla has recommended owners of vehicles with LFP cells charge their cars to 100%, which contrasts with the usual advice for vehicles equipped with NMC batteries, where avoiding full charges is recommended to extend battery life.
The reason behind this difference lies in the unique nature of LFP cells. Unlike NMC batteries, LFP cells have a flatter voltage curve, meaning their voltage changes very little at different charge levels. Charging the battery to 100% generates a voltage peak that allows the battery management system to measure the state of charge more accurately, something essential for greater accuracy in the vehicle’s estimated range.
However, a recent study published in the Journal of the Electrochemical Society has pointed out that keeping the battery at high charge levels can accelerate its degradation. The study concludes that the state of charge is the “most critical factor” in battery capacity loss, and the higher the charge, the faster the battery degrades. This information led the experts at Engineering Explained to suggest that, with LFP batteries, it’s best to plug in the vehicle only when necessary, avoiding constantly keeping the charge at high levels.
The same study observed that LFP batteries suffer less degradation when charged from very low levels, such as from 0% to 100%, compared to charges that start at higher levels, such as from 75% to 100%. This suggests that, to maximize the lifespan of an LFP battery, it’s advisable to avoid short, frequent charging cycles. Nevertheless, it’s important to avoid letting the battery discharge completely to 0%, as this could cause permanent damage to the cells.
These tips will become increasingly relevant as more automakers incorporate LFP batteries into their electric vehicles globally. In addition to Ford and Tesla, Rivian has also expressed its intention to use LFP cells in its future vehicles. Although this didn’t materialize in the more recent lower-cost versions of the R1S and R1T, the use of LFP remains a possibility for the brand in the future.
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