The electric vehicle revolution is in full swing, and the chemistry mix and materials of batteries are a hot topic. With key ingredients such as nickel and cobalt in short supply, and the price of lithium skyrocketing, Tesla is now reportedly setting up a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery manufacturing plant in the US in partnership with Chinese battery giant CATL. This move is in response to the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provides a full $US7,500 tax credit to US buyers that purchase an EV with US-built batteries.
LFP batteries do not contain supply-constrained minerals like nickel and cobalt, making them more affordable. However, they have a lower energy density, meaning they are less efficient and provide a lower range in some EV applications. Despite this, Tesla’s US-built RWD models use CATL’s LFP batteries, and the lowest range being offered in Tesla vehicles in Australia is 455 km on the WLTP cycle. Tesla also recommends charging up to 100%, making their LFP batteries more durable.
Ford has also announced plans for building a $US3.5 billion factory in the state of Michigan which will also be building LFP battery cells. Ford has just revealed details about the upcoming launch of the Mustang Mach-E which will have a single-motor RWD variant with up to 470 km of range. CATL has also recently announced the production plans for its M3P batteries that will deliver a higher range in future EVs.
The electric vehicle revolution is gaining momentum, and the chemistry mix and materials of batteries are becoming increasingly important. With Tesla and Ford leading the way, it looks like LFP batteries are set to become the go-to choice for electric vehicles.
FAQ
Q1: Are electric car batteries recyclable?
A1: Yes, electric car batteries are recyclable.
Q2: Are electric car chargers free?
A2: It depends on the charger and the location. Some electric car chargers are free, while others may require a fee.
Q3: Can electric car batteries be rebuilt?
A3: Yes, electric car batteries can be rebuilt with the right tools and knowledge.
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