According to a newly published patent filing, GM is joining a few other players in the automotive and battery industries in developing mixed chemistry EV battery packs. Using multiple types of battery chemistries in one pack can help reduce costs with little compromise on important factors like range and charging.
The patent filing in question specifically discusses combining nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) with lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP). LFP batteries have safety and longevity advantages over other types of EV batteries, but their most significant strength is their relatively low cost due to their lower nickel content. The big trade-off is that LFP batteries have a lower energy density, which means a lower range compared to battery packs with higher nickel content. Meanwhile, NMC battery chemistry has the advantages of higher power and energy density and better cold-weather performance but at a higher cost with a shorter life cycle.
In other words, NMC batteries are good for premium EVs, prioritizing performance, range, and fast charging, but LFP batteries could be a better option for more affordable EVs where cost and longevity are more important. Combining both chemistries in one battery pack could provide the best of both worlds.
LFP batteries were discussed at GM’s Investor Day Event in October. GM Vice President of Battery and Pack Kurt Kelty discussed the possibility of using LFP battery chemistry in electric trucks to drive down cost while retaining long-range ratings. He also talked about using prismatic battery cells, which GM has outlined in another patent filing that was recently made public.
Slide from GM Investor Day 2024
The ultimate goal of using mixed-chemistry EV battery packs is to find the right balance of range, performance, and affordability that’s palatable to customers.
GM’s rhetoric about driving down battery costs aligns with a recent study from Recurrent, which predicted that EV battery replacement will cost less than replacing a gas engine by 2030. The study determined that pack prices could be “at or under $50/kWh” by 2030. “For a huge 100 kWh pack, replacement costs might be $4500-$5000, or $3,375 for a more standard 75 kWh pack,” the Recurrent study said. “That’s on par with an engine replacement!”
Comments
I have as yet not needed to replace the engine on any vehicle that I have ever owned. Good battery technology will need to provide a nominal 15 year life for “average” driving, while having none of the downsides, i.e., bursting into flames, etc., while also having a replacement cost that makes that option attractive, including recycling of the old battery.
Cool story bro. As an alternative anecdotal story, I had to replace an engine in a 90’s Camry with 120,000 miles on it.
Engine replacements definitely happen. Just because it’s never happened to you, doesn’t mean it’s not happening to others.
Gas vehicles and hybrids burst into flames at a higher rate per vehicles sold than BEVs.
It is not the batteries we should be working on replacing , we should be working on replacing the people telling us that we should buy ev vehicles
A simplistic world view, Steve. The move away from oil is an ongoing, necessary and appropriate direction. EV’s are part of that move. Cleaner air is the result. Your kids will thank the EV owners 20 years from now.