EV with LiFePO4 Battery Is Taking Over! Why Are Automakers Choosing LFP—and How Are the Downsides Being Fixed?
Have you noticed? Many of the latest EVs are now equipped with LiFePO₄ (lithium iron phosphate) batteries.
Take Volkswagen’s new ID.3, which has fully switched to LFP; Toyota’s bZ3X also comes standard with LFP; and XPeng’s latest G6 and G9 have made the same move.
It’s not just about new launches—over the past two years, EV with LiFePO₄ battery adoption has surged and is leading the market.
EV with LiFePO₄ Battery: Cost Advantage
Most people know LFP’s biggest selling point is its cost advantage. But how much cheaper is it, really?
According to Dongwu Securities, LFP battery cells cost around 0.32 RMB/Wh, while NCM cells cost 0.45 RMB/Wh. That means for a 70 kWh pack, LFP saves automakers close to 10,000 RMB (≈ $1,400 USD).
This cost reduction directly fuels price wars. For example, the new Volkswagen ID.3 offers aggressive upfront discounts, while XPeng has cut prices across several models thanks to LFP adoption.
Overcoming Weaknesses of EV with LiFePO₄ Battery
Sure, cars are cheaper now—but what about LFP’s weaknesses?
Improving Energy Density in EV with LiFePO₄ Battery
In the past, LFP was dismissed for its lower energy density. But with innovations like BYD’s Blade Battery and CATL’s Shenxing PLUS, pack-level density now exceeds 190–205 Wh/kg, narrowing the gap with NCM.
As a result, many new EVs with LiFePO₄ battery show similar range performance compared to NCM models.
Fast Charging Breakthroughs
Traditionally, LFP lagged behind in fast charging. But today, CATL, BYD, Geely, and Zeekr have all rolled out LFP packs supporting 4C–10C ultra-fast charging, matching or even surpassing NCM in some use cases.
The Biggest Challenge for EV with LiFePO₄ Battery: Cold Weather
Winter driving remains LFP’s toughest hurdle.
At -10°C, NCM packs may lose about 30% of range, but LFP can lose 50% or more.
The issue comes from LFP’s 1D lithium-ion pathways and flat voltage curve, making both energy delivery and charge estimation harder at low temperatures.
Solutions include:
Advanced thermal management systems that preheat packs before charging.
Smarter BMS algorithms to improve state-of-charge accuracy.
Some automakers like Li Auto have already made progress, but overall, winter range still requires more engineering effort.
The Big Picture: EV with LiFePO₄ Battery Is the Future
LFP batteries are no longer just the “budget option.” With higher safety, longer cycle life, and rapidly improving energy density and fast charging, it’s clear why automakers are making the switch.
In a market defined by price competition and supply chain realities (since nickel and cobalt are heavily import-dependent), EV with LiFePO₄ battery is the inevitable trend. Expect LFP to dominate entry- and mid-level EVs, while NCM remains in premium and performance models.
At the end of the day, there’s no perfect “all-rounder” battery. Each has trade-offs, and the best choice is always about what fits your driving needs best.
FAQs About EV with LiFePO₄ Battery
Q1: Is EV with LiFePO₄ battery good for winter driving?
A: LFP batteries typically lose more range in cold climates compared to NCM. However, with advanced thermal management systems and new electrolyte designs, many automakers are improving winter performance. Some models now show reliable results even below -10°C.
Q2: What is the lifespan of EV with LiFePO₄ battery?
A: One of LFP’s biggest strengths is long cycle life. On average, LFP batteries can last 3,000–5,000 charge cycles, which is significantly higher than NCM. This makes them ideal for EV owners who plan to keep their cars long-term.
Q3: Does EV with LiFePO₄ battery support fast charging?
A: Yes. Thanks to breakthroughs from CATL, BYD, Geely, and Zeekr, modern LFP batteries now support 4C–10C ultra-fast charging, reducing charging times to as little as 10–15 minutes in some cases.
Q4: Is EV with LiFePO₄ battery safer than NCM?
A: Absolutely. LFP batteries have a more stable chemistry and are less prone to thermal runaway, making them one of the safest choices for EV applications.
Wiltson Energy Recommendation: Heat-Free LiFePO₄ Solutions
If you’re looking for an EV with LiFePO₄ battery that can handle cold climates, check out Wiltson Energy’s next-generation low-temperature lithium batteries.
No heating required for operation in extreme cold
Reliable performance at -30°C charging and -50°C discharging
Longer lifespan and higher safety compared to traditional solutions
With these innovations, Wiltson Energy is helping global EV manufacturers and energy storage providers unlock the true potential of LiFePO₄ technology.