Which cathode material is used in lithium-ion batteries?

In recent years, LFP (lithium iron phosphate) has become the dominant choice for cathode material in lithium-ion batteries in battery energy storage systems (BESS). There are several reasons why LFP has risen to the top among different lithium-ion battery cell chemistries. Cathode is the positive electrode of a battery.

What is lithium iron phosphate (LFP)?

Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) is becoming common as a lower-cost alternative in energy storage systems (ESS) and mass-market electric vehicles. Lithium ions leave the cathode when charging and return during discharge. material in lithium-ion batteries in battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Are LFP batteries safe?

LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries prioritize safety and longevity with stable thermal performance, ideal for stationary storage and EVs requiring frequent cycling. Traditional lithium-ion (e.g., NMC, NCA) offers higher energy density for compact devices but risks thermal runaway.

Why do electric buses use LFP vs lithium ion?

LFP also operates safely at full charge, whereas lithium-ion requires partial states (20–80%) for longevity. When considering safety, LFP’s phosphate bonds require more energy to break, making them less prone to exothermic reactions. This is why electric buses favor LFP—high passenger loads demand fail-safe batteries.

Are solid-state batteries a viable LFP alternative?

Meanwhile, solid-state batteries are also being evaluated as a possible LFP alternative due to their opportunities for higher energy density, longer lifetime, and improved safety. That said, solid-state batteries’ manufacturing costs make this option prohibitively expensive—at least for now.

Why do electric buses use lithium-ion batteries?

This is why electric buses favor LFP—high passenger loads demand fail-safe batteries. Conversely, lithium-ion’s volatile electrolytes demand robust battery management systems (BMS) to monitor cell imbalances. Pro Tip: Pair lithium-ion packs with a multilayer BMS featuring cell-level temperature sensors.