Analysis of different types of lithium batteries
Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2) – High specific energy. Li-cobalt excels on high specific energy but offers only moderate performance specific power, safety and life span.
Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMn2O4) – Fast charging. Although moderate in overall performance, newer designs of Li-manganese offer improvements in specific power, safety and life span.
Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2 or NMC) – High specific energy, uses less cobalt. NMC has good overall performance and excels on specific energy. This battery is the preferred candidate for the electric vehicle and has the lowest self-heating rate.
Lithium Iron Phosphate(LiFePO4) – High current rating and long cycle life, good thermal stability. Li-phosphate has excellent safety and long life span but moderate specific energy and elevated self-discharge.
Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (LiNiCoAlO2) – High energy and power densities, as well as good life span, make NCA a candidate for EV powertrains. High cost and marginal safety are negatives.
Lithium Titanate (Li4Ti5O12) – Li-titanate excels in safety, low-temperature performance and life span. Efforts are being made to improve the specific energy and lower cost.