Latest news with #LFP
South China Morning Post
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- South China Morning Post
What you need to know about China's export restrictions on 8 key EV battery technologies
China's latest export restrictions on eight key electric vehicle (EV) battery technologies officially took effect this week, about half a year after it announced its intention to implement them. According to the rules announced by the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Science and Technology, manufacturers using the technologies in the production of EV batteries must now obtain government licences before transferring them abroad. In this explainer, the Post takes a look at the technologies involved and the potential impact of the restrictions. Which technologies are subject to export restrictions? The restrictions primarily cover technologies for battery cathodes, a critical component that sets the ceiling for a battery's energy density and lifespan. Restrictions are being applied to three technologies used to make intermediate substances needed for battery cathodes – including those used to produce lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), and other phosphate-based precursors with defined chemical compositions and performance standards. Five technologies related to lithium extraction and processing – essential upstream steps for producing materials such as LFP – are also included on the export restriction list. The announcement also specified that export restrictions on gallium extraction technologies – used in the production of a key semiconductor material – now focus on ion exchange and resin techniques, replacing the broader 'dissolution method' mentioned in previous rules. Why are these technologies so important?
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
GM's Ultium Cells battery plant in Tennessee to add production of low-cost LFP cells
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Ultium Cells, the electric vehicle battery joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution, is upgrading its battery cell manufacturing facility in Spring Hill, Tennessee, to add production of lower-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, the company announced in a July 14 press release. The plans are part of a $2.3 billion investment in the plant that was announced in 2021 to produce nickel cobalt manganese aluminum (NCMA) pouch cells and LFP cells at the same facility. The conversion of existing production lines will begin later this year, with commercial production of LFP cells expected to begin in late 2027. 'The upgrade reflects the continued strength of our partnership with General Motors and our shared commitment to advancing EV battery innovation,' said Wonjoon Suh, executive VP and head of the Advanced Automotive Battery division at LG Energy Solution, in the release. Dive Insight: Introducing low-cost LFP battery chemistry into its growing lineup can help GM improve margins on its EVs, as well as reduce their costs for buyers. The higher costs of EVs using existing battery chemistries may deter shoppers and impact adoption in the U.S. now that the Federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500 is slated to end on Sept. 30. The elimination of the credit is included in the 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' which was signed into law on July 4. GM currently uses more expensive nickel manganese cobalt aluminum oxide (NMCA) batteries for its EVs. The cost-effectiveness of LFP batteries compared to NCMA or nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) types is due to the use of less expensive raw materials, including cobalt and nickel. Instead, LFP batteries use a higher amount of cheap and abundant iron and phosphate. LFP batteries contain virtually no cobalt and perform better than other cell chemistries in high temperatures, making them more resistant to cell degradation and fire for greater safety. 'At GM, we're innovating battery technology to deliver the best mix of range, performance, and affordability to our EV customers,' said Kurt Kelty, VP of batteries, propulsion, and sustainability at GM, in the release. 'This upgrade at Spring Hill will enable us to scale production of lower-cost LFP cell technologies in the U.S., complementing our high-nickel and future lithium manganese rich solutions and further diversifying our growing EV portfolio." LFP batteries also have a significantly longer cycle life and can endure more charge-discharge cycles before degrading, translating into a longer service life. In addition, LPF batteries can be fully charged to 100% without accelerating cell degradation compared to NMC batteries. This is among the reasons why many OEMs recommend charging EVs to just 80% to extend battery service life. However, the tradeoff is that drivers do not receive the vehicle's full EPA-estimated range. One of the drawbacks of LFP batteries however, is their lower energy density compared to NMC and NCA chemistries, according to Quantumscape. An automaker must use more LFP cells to achieve EV range targets that buyers now expect. Although the use of additional cells and a larger battery pack may improve range, it also increases vehicle weight and can potentially reduce an EVs interior space. In addition to Ultium Cells adding LFP cell production in Tennessee, GM and LG Energy announced in May the development of an improved lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cell design for the automaker's future electric vehicles. The LMR battery chemistry uses a higher percentage of lower-cost manganese to replace cobalt, while still delivering high energy density, according to GM. GM aims to be the first major automaker to use LMR batteries, and the Ultium Cells joint venture plans to start commercial production of the new cells by 2028 for GM's full-size electric trucks and SUVs. 'Our expertise in these three battery chemistries will enable us to scale production of lower-cost LMR and LFP cell technologies so we can produce both full-size electric pickups and affordable EVs like the Chevrolet Bolt,' said GM president Mark Reuss in a blog post. Ultium Cells broke ground on the Tennessee EV battery plant in 2021 and the first shipments of batteries to GM were in March 2024. Recommended Reading GM, LG Energy target commercializing manganese-rich batteries for EVs
Business Standard
a day ago
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Rorr EZ Now on Amazon as Oben Electric Expands Digital EV Sales Strategy
PNN Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 16: Oben Electric, India's leading homegrown and R & D-driven electric motorcycle manufacturer, has announced the availability of its widely popular city commuter electric motorcycle, Rorr EZ, on Amazon. The move marks a significant step in Oben Electric's strategy to leverage e-commerce as a growth engine for scaling EV adoption across India. With this launch, Oben Electric combines the scale of e-commerce with the trust of an established platform to make EV ownership more accessible, especially for digitally native and first-time EV buyers. The Rorr EZ is now available for booking on Amazon in two variants, 3.4 kWh and 4.4 kWh priced at ₹1,19,999 and ₹1,29,999 respectively, inclusive of a ₹20,000 offer on the original price. This digital foray is part of Oben Electric's broader expansion strategy, integrating a rapidly growing showroom network with an agile online presence. The integration with Amazon allows the brand to tap into a broader demographic of digitally savvy, value-conscious, and convenience-driven customers, as e-commerce is rapidly reshaping automotive retail. Commenting on the development, Madhumita Agrawal, Founder & CEO of Oben Electric, said, "Making Rorr EZ available on Amazon is a strategic move to align with the evolving purchase behaviour of Indian consumers. As consumers increasingly turn to online platforms for major purchases, e-commerce gives us a direct and trusted channel to reach them. The launch of Rorr EZ on Amazon reflects our intent to make EV adoption convenient and widespread, especially among first-time electric two-wheeler buyers." Purpose-built for city riders, the Rorr EZ is designed to deliver a high-performance, comfortable, and stylish riding experience. Built on Oben's proprietary ARX platform, it offers agile handling, strong structural stability, and enhanced ride comfort across varied urban conditions. With a top speed of 95 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 40 km/h in just 3.3 seconds, and best-in-class torque of 52 Nm, the Rorr EZ blends performance with practicality. It delivers an IDC-certified range of up to 175 km and supports fast charging. The motorcycle is powered by Oben's in-house developed LFP battery technology, offering twice the battery life, 50% greater heat resistance, and real-world dependability tailored for Indian roads and weather conditions. The Rorr EZ also features advanced connectivity and rider assistance technologies including Geo-Fencing, Theft Protection, Unified Brake Assist (UBA), and Drive Assist System (DAS). Available in four striking colours, Electro Amber, Surge Cyan, Lumina Green, and Photon White, the Rorr EZ delivers a visually bold presence while catering to the tastes of modern riders. To further reinforce long-term ownership assurance, Oben Electric is offering the Protect 8/80 battery warranty plan at just ₹9,999, which provides coverage for eight years or 80,000 kilometres, with full transferability. This reflects the brand's commitment to durability, trust, and long-term value. Oben Electric also aims to expand its footprint to over 150 showrooms across 50+ cities, each equipped with dedicated service centers, by the end of this financial year. With its latest digital retail expansion, Oben Electric continues to push the boundaries of how EVs are discovered, experienced, and adopted in India. The availability of Rorr EZ on Amazon signals a new chapter in customer-centric innovation and reaffirms the company's ambition to make sustainable mobility both aspirational and accessible for all.
Forbes
a day ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
Expect Cheaper Batteries, But Solid-State Potential Could Stall EVs
BYD Dolphin Mini. Photographer: Jeoffrey Guillemard/Bloomberg Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and sodium-ion batteries will drive down costs and reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains in the U.S. and Europe, according to research from consultancy BMI. But the promise of a solid-state breakthrough could dampen electric vehicle sales. Cheaper batteries are especially important in Europe, where the European Union has decreed around 80% of new car sales shall be electric-only by 2030, and 100% by 2035. Less so in the U.S., after the Trump Administration rescinded attempts to force its citizens to buy electric vehicles. The report said LFP batteries will help carmakers with their mass-market and mid-range sedans and SUVs. 'Domestic LFP battery manufacturing will help (manufacturers) outside of China reduce reliance on global supply chains, maintain lower EV prices and improve competitiveness as subsidies are reduced or removed,' the report from BMI, a Fitch Solutions company, said. Sodium-ion batteries will gain traction in electric two and three-wheelers in Asia and Africa, driven by their lower cost. 'flash-charging battery system' If the EV revolution is to succeed, not only are cheaper batteries required, but faster and more convenient charging networks too. Earlier this year BYD, now the world's biggest maker of EVs, unveiled its 'flash-charging battery system' that can allegedly deliver 250 miles of range in five minutes with peak charging power reaching one megawatt. That's about half the time than gasoline or diesel refueling but a massive improvement on current capabilities, and close enough to claim effective equality. According to a recent report from consultants Cap Gemini, manufacturers are exploring new business models as EV sales accelerate, including battery renting, battery subscriptions, and battery swapping. But the holy grail for EVs is the advent of solid-state batteries, said to be around half the weight and half the price, with twice the power of current batteries and with much reduced fire risks. The trouble is, the industry has been told solid state batteries will be ready in 5 years time for about 10 years now. The consensus view is they won't be ready for mass production until the early 2030s. Meanwhile the promise of this huge improvement in battery performance could have a malign influence on today's EV sales, as potential buyers delay, fearing being stranded with obsolete technology. BMI has no such fears. Key to improving EV adoption 'We believe that the increase in Lithium Iron Phosphate battery adoption will be key to improving electric vehicle adoption in global markets,' BMI said in the report. 'Affordability has been one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption in markets such as the U.S. and Germany where less than 30% of EVs are more affordable than their ICE equivalents, compared with 65% in Mainland China.' Chinese multinational automobile manufacturer NIO's battery-swapping station. 'In addition, the onshoring of LFP battery manufacturing will allow North American and European (manufacturers) to reduce their reliance on Chinese battery producers and avoid trade barriers placed on Mainland China'. The report said LFP batteries are cheaper because they eschew nickel use. But they have lower energy content than lithium-ion batteries so cost less but sacrifice range. China is also using LFP batteries extensively now accounting for about 70% of EV output. This has led to the introduction of inexpensive models like the BYD Seagull, which starts at $7,800 in China. A modified for Europe model – the BYD Dolphin Mini - is now on sale from around $21,000. 'Investment in LFP chemistry is picking up pace in North America and Europe. In the U.S. there are more than three LFP battery manufacturing plants that are either in the planning or construction phase. One of the largest of these projects is Ford's 20 GWh BlueOval Park in Michigan, which is set to be operational from 2026.' 'In Europe, Chinese battery producer CATL and Stellantis have formed a joint venture which aims to build a €4.1 billion ($4.8 billion) LFP battery manufacturing plant in Spain; this is in addition to the two operational CATL battery plants in Germany and Hungary.' Solid-state looms BMI said the cost of lithium is falling, and it will be in oversupply between 2025 and 2031, keeping prices well below the 2022 peak. Solid-state technology has been the silver bullet for EVs that never arrives for years. Less ambitious solutions are receiving big investments. But if news breaks that problems of producing solid state batteries at scale have been solved, these lithium-based batteries will quickly be forgotten. BMI doesn't expect much solid-state progress any time soon. 'It's fair to say that we haven't included solid-state as an imminent technology to revolutionize the industry because we haven't seen as much activity on that front as we have LFP and SiBs,' BMI analyst Anna-Marie Baisden said, replying to questions. 'Companies continue to invest in these technologies because they see a viable use case for them right now in lowering costs rather than being deterred by the possibility of solid-state coming along and making them redundant because it could indeed be many more years before that happens,' Baisden said.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
General Motors, LGES to Upgrade Spring Hill Site to Make LFP Batteries
General Motors Company GM and LG Energy Solution's (LGES) joint venture, Ultium Cells, is upgrading its Spring Hill, TN, plant to manufacture more affordable electric vehicle (EV) battery cells. These new batteries use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which is less expensive than traditional lithium-ion batteries since they don't rely on costly materials like cobalt and nickel. While LFP cells offer lower energy density, they are safer, longer-lasting and becoming increasingly competitive in terms of driving range, especially in China, where they power more than 80% of Kurt Kelty, GM's VP of batteries, propulsion and sustainability, the Spring Hill upgrade will allow for U.S.-based production of LFP batteries, complementing GM's current high-nickel offerings and future lithium-manganese-based batteries, helping to expand the company's EV currently offers 12 EV models, ranging in price from about $35,000 to more than $300,000. The upcoming Chevy Silverado EV and next-generation Chevy Bolt EV will feature LFP batteries, though GM hasn't confirmed if these battery packs will be built at Spring Hill. The new Bolt is expected to start production later this year and reach buyers in early 2026, well before LFP production begins locally, which is targeted for late 2027. The LFP version of the Silverado EV will reportedly offer around 350 miles of range and reduce vehicle cost by $6, Spring Hill plant was initially part of a $2.3 billion investment announced in 2021, and although the new upgrade builds on this partnership, no additional investment figures were provided. Meanwhile, GM continues to develop advanced battery technologies, including lithium-manganese-rich chemistries for large EVs, slated to launch around early 2028. It is also exploring silicon anodes and solid-state batteries in its Michigan R&D LFP batteries originated in the United States at the University of Texas at Austin, their mass adoption and technological advancements have been led by Chinese manufacturers like BYD and CATL. Korean companies, such as LG, have been slower to enter the LFP space but are now accelerating efforts. LFP technology is also gaining traction in the United States. Ford is developing it at its BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan and Tesla has expanded its Nevada LFP facility to support energy storage. Currently, the GM-LGES joint venture is North America's largest battery cell manufacturer. GM carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) at better-ranked stocks in the auto space are Geely Automobile Holdings Limited GELYY, Aisin Corporation ASEKY and Westport Fuel Systems Inc. WPRT. While STRT and ASEKY sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) each at present, WPRT carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks Zacks Consensus Estimate for GELYY's fiscal 2025 sales implies year-over-year growth of 76.25%. EPS estimates for fiscal 2025 and 2026 have improved 27 cents and 47 cents, respectively, in the past seven Zacks Consensus Estimate for ASEKY's fiscal 2026 sales and earnings implies year-over-year growth of 7.32% and 58.89%, respectively. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WPRT's 2025 earnings implies year-over-year growth of 40.93%. EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 have improved 44 cents and 23 cents, respectively, in the past 60 days. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report General Motors Company (GM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Westport Fuel Systems Inc. (WPRT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. (GELYY) : Free Stock Analysis Report Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd. Unsponsored ADR (ASEKY) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
