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Which Cars Use Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries?
As the electric vehicle (EV) industry evolves, automakers are increasingly exploring alternatives to traditional lithium-ion batteries that use cobalt and nickel. One of the most prominent alternatives is the lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. Known for its safety, long cycle life, and low cost, LiFePO4 is now powering a growing number of EVs around the world. This article explores which cars use lithium iron phosphate batteries and why this chemistry is gaining traction in the automotive sector.
Why Automakers Choose Lithium Iron Phosphate
The shift toward LiFePO4 batteries is driven by several factors:
Safety: LiFePO4 is thermally stable and has a much lower risk of catching fire or entering thermal runaway.
Long Cycle Life: These batteries can last 3,000 to 5,000 full cycles with minimal degradation, ideal for long-term use.
Cost Efficiency: Without cobalt and nickel, LiFePO4 is cheaper to produce, reducing overall vehicle cost.
Sustainability: The chemistry is environmentally friendlier and ethically sourced compared to cobalt-rich cells.
While LiFePO4 batteries typically offer lower energy density, they are perfect for standard-range EVs, urban commuting, and fleet vehicles.
Tesla (Standard Range Models)
Tesla was among the first major manufacturers to adopt LiFePO4 in large numbers, especially in:
Model 3 Standard Range+
Model Y Standard Range
These vehicles, manufactured at Tesla’s Gigafactory Shanghai, use lithium iron phosphate battery packs. Tesla's software is even optimized to recommend regular 100% charging for LiFePO4 models, a departure from the charging guidance for their NCA-based counterparts.
BYD (Multiple Models)
BYD is a global pioneer in lithium iron phosphate technology. Its proprietary Blade Battery is an advanced LiFePO4 cell that emphasizes safety, lifespan, and compactness. Cars using BYD’s Blade Battery include:
BYD Han EV
BYD Qin Plus EV
BYD Dolphin
BYD Tang EV
BYD Atto 3 (Yuan Plus)
BYD supplies batteries to other automakers as well, contributing to the expansion of LiFePO4 adoption beyond its own brand.
MG (Morris Garages)
Several MG electric vehicles incorporate lithium iron phosphate options in markets like Europe and China. The MG4 EV and MG ZS EV are examples of models available with either LiFePO4 or NMC battery variants, depending on range requirements and pricing.
NIO
NIO, another Chinese EV manufacturer, has introduced standard-range versions of its vehicles—such as the ES6 and ET5—with lithium iron phosphate battery options. These versions provide affordable alternatives with reliable performance for urban drivers.
Wuling and SAIC-GM
One of the most popular budget EVs in China, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, uses a lithium iron phosphate battery. Its simplicity and affordability make it an ideal city car, and its battery choice reflects the balance between safety and cost efficiency.
Other Notable Mentions
XPeng: Offers LiFePO4 batteries in base versions of its P5 and G3i models.
Chery: Includes lithium iron phosphate packs in models like the QQ Ice Cream and eQ1.
VinFast: The Vietnamese automaker uses LiFePO4 for some of its EVs as part of a cost-competitive strategy.
The Future of LiFePO4 in EVs
As manufacturing techniques improve and energy density increases, more automakers are expected to adopt lithium iron phosphate across wider vehicle categories, including commercial vans, ride-sharing fleets, and public transport.
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