BATTERY EVOLUTION

The landscape of lithium-ion batteries in OPE is currently defined by the two dominant chemistries that make up the battery cell’ s cathode: Lithium Iron Phosphate( LFP) and Nickel Manganese Cobalt( NMC). A battery is made up of a cathode, an anode, and electrolyte for the reactive portion. The cathode is the positive end, the anode is the negative end, and the electrolyte helps the ions move across a separator to produce energy.

Lithium Iron Phosphate( LFP) Batteries: These batteries, also known as LiFePO4, are regarded for their stability, safety

IRON and longer cycle life. That’ s counted in thousands of charge-use cycles for LFP instead of many hundreds of cycles typical for NMC batteries. Iron and phosphate are more abundant, less expensive, and less geopolitically sensitive compared to cobalt. That’ s the C in NMC batteries, though some manufacturers

PHOSPHATE are finding ways to lower the amount of cobalt. LFP batteries exhibit a lower energy density, typically ranging from 90-120 Wh / kg, and operate at a nominal voltage of 3.2-3.3V. They demonstrate superior performance at lower states of charge. LFP batteries offer a long cycle life, typically exceeding 2,000 cycles, making them a durable choice for various applications. They have a lower energy density compared to NMC batteries, meaning they are often heavier for the same energy storage capacity. LFP batteries are generally available at a lower cost, that’ s largely why their share of the global electric vehicle( EV) battery supply more than doubled since 2020. LFP batteries are commonly used in power tools, electric buses, grid energy storage, and stationary applications where safety, longevity, and a lower cost per cycle are important. because each of our batteries has a brain built into them that interacts with the tool,” said Beblowski.“ It enables a conversation where it says,‘ hey, I’ m this type of battery.’ The tool says,‘ I’ m this type of tool,’ and they work together to create that ideal performance.”

These systems manage power delivery, regulate temperature, and facilitate communication with power equipment. It can also include safety sensors. Advanced BMS can even prevent charging when ambient temperatures are too low, which helps to avoid accelerated aging and potential damage to the battery cells. There is a future where a tool’ s BMS will allow other communication as well. That can raise privacy concerns, but manufacturers are looking at that.

NICKEL

MANGANESE COBALT

Nickel Manganese Cobalt( NMC) Batteries: NMC batteries offer a higher energy density, with specific energy ranging from 150-220 Wh / kg, and a higher nominal voltage of 3.6-3.7V. This superior energy density translates into physically smaller battery packs for a given capacity; that’ s an advantage in applications where space and weight are critical constraints like in handheld equipment. NMC batteries also have a shorter cycle life and are more susceptible to thermal runaway at elevated temperatures or if subjected to overstress or mishandling.

These batteries do come at a cost premium. They might cost 20 % more than LFP batteries, thought that cost differential has narrowed in recent years.

NMC batteries typically have a higher energy density compared to LFP batteries, which means they can store more energy in a smaller and lighter package.

They offer a good balance between energy density and cycle life, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including electric vehicles and portable electronics.

NMC batteries have faced scrutiny due to the cobalt content in some formulations. Cobalt mining has raised concerns regarding environmental degradation and labor conditions in certain regions.

Efforts are underway to develop cobalt-free NMC variants to mitigate these environmental and ethical concerns.

NMC batteries are widely used in electric vehicles, laptops, smartphones, and a variety of consumer electronics where compact size and high energy density are essential.

Cooling Solutions The inherent design of larger cells, such as the 21700 size, allows for more efficient heat dissipation due to their increased surface area and volume. Some battery packs further enhance passive cooling by using improved internal designs and materials that reduce electrical resistance, thereby minimizing heat generation within the cells themselves.

Our next questions Battery life cycle Recycling Pack manufacturing and durability Energy cells or Power cells? More to come!

20 OPE + September 2025 www. OPE-Plus. com