My LFP Powered BYD Seal Is Getting To 60 MPH In 3.8 Seconds With 310 Miles+ Range

Electric vehicle battery technologies are evolving. Back in 2010, most EVs had lithium-Ion batteries, specifically Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA). Today, we see a mix of three types:

• Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC)
• Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)
• Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA)

Social media has a lot of discussion about the which one is best. On a recent Reddit thread, Carmageddon-2049 posted the following:

“Curious whether the battery chemistry made any difference to your buying decision?

I’m aware for example that the NMC battery retains charge better and is the better choice for long range use. Whereas the LFP battery is safer.

Wonder whether chemistry anxiety really is the new range anxiety?”

Redditor decryption responded with the following:

“I’ve owned a mix of LFP and NMC battery EVs and honestly it doesn’t matter. If you’re using 80%+ of the battery every day, maybe, but most cars with NMC batteries have a hidden reserve so you can’t actually charge to 100% anyways to make sure the battery capacity at least lasts until the end of the warranty period (8yrs on most EVs).”

Further down the thread, takentryanotheruser responded with:

“To me it’s less about safety and more convenience.»

NMC should mostly be charged to 80%. You go to 100% occasionally for long distance trips. LFP you can charge whenever to whatever level. For me that’s more convenient.”

Psychlonuclear makes an interesting post about being able to rapid charge his EV with LFP batteries:

“my LFP powered BYD Seal performance getting to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds with 500km+ range.» (in US measurements this mean 60 MPH in 3.8 seconds with 310 miles+ range)

The Current and Future EV Battery Types Look to be the Following

Electric vehicles have not yet surpassed traditional vehicles primarily because of the limitations in current high-voltage battery technology. Although substantial progress has been made over the past decade, the energy density of batteries still does not match that of liquid fuels. Automotive research is focused on creating batteries with much higher energy density. At present, lithium-ion batteries with NCM and NCA cathodes are the most widely used. These batteries incorporate materials such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, or aluminum, and their specific composition influences both energy density and performance. A higher nickel content enhances energy capacity and reduces weight, while minimizing cobalt helps address both cost and ethical sourcing concerns. However, this type of battery may be approaching its technological ceiling.

An alternative cathode chemistry is lithium iron phosphate, or LFP. Although it delivers lower performance and energy density compared to NCM batteries, it offers a longer lifespan and relies on more abundant, less costly materials. The reduced voltage and limited ion mobility within the structure result in lower power output, making LFP less suitable for high-performance applications. For instance, Tesla uses this battery type only in the base models of the Model 3. However, these batteries can be safely charged to 100 percent and are recognized for their durability, making them well-suited for applications where cost efficiency and longevity are prioritized. A great example is commercial delivery fleets where longevity is prioritized over performance. For example, an Amazon delivery van typically covers 75 to 150 miles in a single day and then goes back to a depot to be charged overnight.

BYD has achieved remarkable success with LFP batteries. It has helped them become a global leader in electric vehicle production. BYD’s use of these batteries has allowed the company to offer affordable electric vehicles without compromising reliability. Their blade battery design enhances energy density and structural integrity, improving safety and performance. This is an innovation that has helped to position BYD as a dominant force in the global EV market.

Solid-state batteries are often seen as the ultimate solution for electric vehicle energy storage. They replace the traditional liquid electrolyte and separator found in lithium-ion batteries with a solid electrolyte composed of metallic or ceramic materials. While no commercial vehicles currently use this technology, manufacturers anticipate launching solid-state-powered vehicles within the next few years. These batteries are expected to offer double the energy density of current lithium-ion models, around 650 watt-hours per kilogram, and to endure more than 1000 charge cycles. Although these expectations may evolve, solid-state batteries have the potential to significantly transform electric mobility as development progresses.

The leader in this space seems to be Toyota. It is advancing solid-state battery technology with plans to offer electric vehicles that can travel up to 745 miles on a single charge and recharge in just 10 minutes. Development began in 2010, and while progress has been gradual, Toyota expects to introduce these batteries by 2027, with mass production potentially beginning by 2030. The company has shifted focus from hybrids to fully electric vehicles and aims to deliver a high-performance battery with both long range and fast charging capabilities. Toyota is working with partners like Panasonic and Idemitsu to overcome challenges and bring these innovations to market. If successful, solid-state batteries could transform the EV industry by offering greater range, faster charging, lighter weight, and improved long-term durability.

Emerging technologies continue to present exciting possibilities. Lithium-air batteries, still in the research and development phase, show promise with energy densities that rival those of liquid fuels, reaching up to 11.4 kilowatt-hours per kilogram. These batteries operate by using lithium at the anode and oxygen from ambient air at the cathode. Despite their potential, technical challenges remain, including the need for high temperatures during recharging and the formation of dendrites that degrade battery life. Currently limited to laboratory testing, lithium-air batteries could eventually replace internal combustion engines if these hurdles are overcome and production remains cost-effective, potentially revolutionizing the future of transportation and energy storage.

In Conclusion

Choose an electric vehicle with NMC battery technology if you need higher range, faster acceleration, and better performance, especially for long commutes or frequent travel. Opt for an EV with LFP battery technology if you prioritize lower cost, longer lifespan, and consistent daily driving within moderate distances, such as city commutes.

Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you purchased an EV and and was battery chemistry/technology a factor?

What do you think is a reasonable amount of time to wait for your EV to recharge?

Chris Johnston is the author of SAE’s comprehensive book on electric vehicles, «The Arrival of The Electric Car.» His coverage on Torque News focuses on electric vehicles. Chris has decades of product management experience in telematics, mobile computing, and wireless communications. Chris has a B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA. He lives in Seattle. When not working, Chris enjoys restoring classic wooden boats, open water swimming, cycling and flying (as a private pilot). You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn and follow his work on X at ChrisJohnstonEV.

Image sources: AI, BYD media kit