Lithium Iron Phosphate in EV Battery Systems
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries face inherent limitations in energy density, typically delivering 140-160 Wh/kg compared to 200+ Wh/kg for nickel-rich cathodes. Recent modifications through dopant engineering and particle size optimization have demonstrated density improvements to 200-220 Wh/kg, while maintaining LFP's characteristic thermal stability and long cycle life.
The fundamental challenge lies in increasing lithium-ion mobility and electronic conductivity without compromising the olivine structure's inherent safety advantages and cost benefits.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including lattice modification through co-doping, surface coating with yttrium titanium oxide, manganese substitution strategies, and composite electrode architectures. These and other approaches focus on practical implementations that balance energy density improvements with manufacturing scalability and cell-level safety.
1. Co-Doped Lithium Iron Phosphate Cathode Material with Lattice Distortion and Optimized Particle Characteristics
BEIJING EASPRING MATERIAL TECH CO LTD, BEIJING EASPRING MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode material for lithium-ion batteries with improved rate performance and cycle life. The LFP has a lattice distortion of 0.058-0.08% to reduce lithium ion transfer resistance. The LFP can be prepared by co-doping elements like Na, K, Mg, Ti, V, W, Nb, La, Cr, Mo, Ca, Zn into the Fe and Li sites. The co-doping expands the lattice, increases diffusion coefficients, and suppresses crystal growth. The co-doped LFP has specific surface areas of 7-13 m2/g, median particle sizes of 0.5-2.5 µm, and carbon content of 0-5 wt%. The co-doping and particle size optimizations improve LFP electrochemical properties like
2. Lithium Iron Phosphate Cathode with Yttrium Titanium Oxide Thin Film via Sol-Gel and Sintering Process
WANHUA CHEMICAL BATTERY MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, WANHUA CHEMICAL YANTAI BATTERY MATERIAL TECH CO LTD, 2024
Coating a low-temperature rate type lithium iron phosphate cathode material with a thin film of yttrium titanium oxide (YTO) to improve low-temperature and rate performance. The coating process involves sol-gel synthesis of a mixed metal hydroxide precursor, followed by high-temperature sintering in air to form a uniform YTO film on the lithium iron phosphate surface. This coating reduces the lithium diffusion barrier and accelerates lithium ion transport, significantly improving low-temperature and rate characteristics compared to uncoated lithium iron phosphate.
3. Battery Management System with Temperature-Regulated Balancing for Mixed Chemistry Battery Assemblies
TOYOTA MOTOR CORP, 2024
Battery management system to balance input/output characteristics between different types of assembled batteries like LFP and ternary batteries. The balancing is done by temperature regulation when the overall system temperature is below a reference. The regulation involves raising the temperature of LFP batteries more than ternary batteries using techniques like higher charging/discharging power, larger temperature rising ripple current, and heating. Above the reference temperature, charging/discharging power is increased for ternary batteries to match LFP. This balances calorific values and deterioration rates between battery types.
4. Lithium Iron Phosphate Cathode Material with Specific Precursor Ratios and Particle Pore Structures
A123 Systems LLC, 2024
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode material for lithium-ion batteries with improved properties like higher capacity, rate performance, and reduced moisture absorption compared to conventional LFP. The improvements come from synthesis methods using precursors like vanadium phosphate and iron phosphate with specific molar ratios, dopant levels, and particle pore structures. The synthesis reduces emissions and eliminates ammonia compared to conventional LFP production. This leads to LFP powders with optimized physical properties like smaller pore sizes and lower moisture absorption, which translate to better battery performance.
5. Lithium Iron Phosphate Cathode with Secondary Phase Doping and Controlled Granularity
RIVIAN IP HOLDINGS LLC, 2024
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cathode material for lithium-ion batteries with improved ionic conductivity and higher energy density compared to undoped LiFePO4. The cathode material has a granularity of D50 greater than or equal to 1 um. The improved ionic conductivity is achieved by adding secondary phosphate phases (LiMxPyp) near the surface of the core LiFePO4 phase. The secondary phase dopants contain transition metals or main group elements like Mn, Co, Gd, In, V, Zr, etc. The doped LiFePO4 cathode material has higher ionic conductivity and can be prepared using a precipitation process to control particle size. This allows higher loadings and bulk density compared to nanoscale LiFePO4.
6. Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery with Composite Positive Electrode and Fast Charging Graphite-Silicon Negative Electrode
FAR EAST BATTERY JIANGSU CO LTD, 2023
High energy density fast charging lithium iron phosphate battery with improved capacity and cycle life compared to conventional lithium iron phosphate batteries. The battery has a composite lithium iron phosphate positive electrode with lithium supplementary materials, and a negative electrode with fast charging graphite and silicon. The compositions and particle sizes of the positive and negative electrodes are optimized to increase capacity, reduce density, and improve fast charging. This allows the battery to have energy density of 200-220 Wh/kg, similar to ternary batteries, while meeting the needs of passenger vehicle fast charging and cycle life.
7. Lithium Battery Management System with Monitoring, Charge Optimization, Health Prediction, and Short Circuit Protection
JIANGXI DETAI INTELLIGENT CONTROL POWER SUPPLY CO LTD, 2023
Intelligent lithium battery control system that improves performance, reliability, and safety of lithium battery packs used in electric vehicles, drones, and energy storage systems. The system monitors battery status, optimizes charge/discharge strategies, predicts battery health, manages power peaks, balances energy use, provides remote monitoring, and implements short circuit protection. Algorithmic optimization, temperature management, and data analysis enhance battery performance and longevity.
8. Battery Management Module Cooling System with Fan-Driven Finned Heat Dissipation and Spring-Loaded Attachment Mechanism
ZHUHAI HI TECH ZONE TAIENNAI INFORMATION TECH CO LTD, ZHUHAI HI-TECH ZONE TAIENNAI INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023
A cooling system for a battery management module used in lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries to prevent overheating and component failure during long-term operation. The cooling system has a housing with a fan, fins, heat spreading plate, and spring-loaded clips to attach to the battery pack. The fan blows air through the fins to cool the internal electronics, and the heat spreading plate transfers heat from the components to the fins. The spring-loaded clips attach the module to the battery pack to provide mechanical stability and electrical connection. This active cooling system allows the battery management module to operate at higher power levels and longer durations without overheating components.
9. Flaky Lithium Iron Manganese Phosphate with Controlled Iron-Phosphorus Ratio and Low-Temperature Hydrothermal Synthesis Method
GUIZHOU YAYOU NEW MAT CO LTD, GUIZHOU YAYOU NEW MATERIAL CO LTD, 2023
Flaky lithium iron phosphate (LFP) with improved properties for batteries, and a method to synthesize it. The flaky LFP has a composition of LiFe0.3Mn0.7P04. The synthesis involves dissolving iron, manganese, and phosphorus sources in a low temperature solution, adding lithium source, adjusting pH, and hydrothermally reacting at low temperature to produce flaky LFP. The key features are using a specific ratio of iron to phosphorus, low temperature synthesis, and adjusting pH. This results in flaky LFP instead of the usual lumpy or spherical shape. The flaky LFP has higher lithium content, lower impurity content, and better cycling performance compared to conventional LFP.
10. Compact Control System with Staggered Cell Arrangement for Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Packs in Electric Motorcycles
ZHEJIANG TIANHONG LITHIUM ION BATTERY CO LTD, ZHEJIANG TIANHONG LITHIUM-ION BATTERY CO LTD, 2023
Control system and method for lithium iron phosphate battery packs used in electric motorcycles that provides improved temperature management, charge/discharge control, and overall battery health for longer life. The system has a compact layout with staggered cell arrangement in the pack to improve space utilization and heat dissipation. The control module monitors pack status, compensates for temperature, and intelligently charges/discharges to optimize battery performance.
11. Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery with Silicon-Graphite Blended Negative Electrode and Porous Ceramic Diaphragm
HUBEI HUNDRED MILLION WEFT POWER CO LTD, 2022
Lithium iron phosphate battery with improved low temperature and high rate performance for applications like vehicle starting. The battery uses a modified electrode composition and assembly method to enhance performance. It involves adding small amounts of silicon and graphite blended with oxide coating to the negative electrode, carbon coating on the positive electrode, and a porous ceramic diaphragm. This composition and assembly improves low temperature and rate performance compared to conventional lithium iron phosphate batteries.
12. Synthesis Method for Titanium Oxide-Doped Lithium Iron Phosphate Cathode Material
BTR NANO MATERIAL MANUFACTURING CO LTD, BTR TIANJIN NANO MAT MANUFACTURING CO LTD, 2021
Preparation method for high conductivity and high density lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. The method involves doping the iron phosphate precursor with titanium oxide during synthesis. This doping step improves the LiFePO4's electrical conductivity and compaction density. The doped iron phosphate precursor is then roasted and crushed to form the final LiFePO4 cathode material.
13. Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery with Integrated Temperature Control System and Phase Change Materials
GREEN CUBES TECH LLC, GREEN CUBES TECHNOLOGY LLC, 2021
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries with integrated temperature control to enable operation in extreme hot and cold environments. The batteries have a battery management system (BMS) that monitors and controls heating and cooling elements inside the battery. These elements include phase change materials (PCMs), heat exchangers, fans, thermal electric devices, and coolers. The BMS activates the appropriate elements to maintain optimal battery temperature within a range of 5-40°C for uninterrupted operation in extreme temperatures. This prevents damage, decreased life, and performance degradation.
14. Multi-Battery System with Active Circulating Current Management for Electric Vehicles
GM GLOBAL TECH OPERATIONS LLC, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, 2021
Reducing internal current circulating between battery packs in multi-battery electric vehicles to prevent issues like lithium plating. It involves actively managing the circulating current to keep it below a limit. Techniques include feeding a preload current into the bus to balance it, selectively disconnecting weakest packs, and reducing load on high-capacity packs. This prevents imbalances that can cause plating.
15. Charge and Discharge Management Method for Iron-Lithium Batteries with Temperature-Dependent Current and Voltage Modulation
GUANGDONG GREENWAY TECH CO LTD, GUANGDONG GREENWAY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2021
Low-temperature charge and discharge management method for iron-lithium batteries that enables charging and discharging at sub-zero temperatures without external heating devices. The method involves limiting charge and discharge currents and voltages based on initial temperature. When initial temperature is below a threshold, charging is prohibited unless the current is above the threshold. This prevents deep discharge at low temperatures. If charging is allowed, the voltage limit is set lower. During charging or discharging, if temperature rises above a threshold, the limit is relaxed. This prevents overheating.
16. Hybrid Battery Management System with Master-Slave Architecture for Dual Chemistry Integration
Sichuan Changhong Electric Co., Ltd., SICHUAN CHANGHONG ELECTRIC CO LTD, 2021
Hybrid battery management system for reducing cost of high-performance lithium titanate batteries by pairing them with lower-cost lithium iron phosphate batteries. The system uses a master control unit, lithium titanate slave control unit, lithium iron phosphate slave control unit, charging/discharging interface, and heating unit. The master unit coordinates charging/discharging of both battery types. The lithium titanate slave handles its own battery, while the lithium iron phosphate slave is managed by the master. This allows leveraging the advantages of both battery chemistries, like high cycle life/rate for lithium titanate and low cost/energy density for lithium iron phosphate, in a single hybrid battery pack.
17. Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Charging and Discharging Method with Three-Stage Sequence and Cycling Steps
ENN SCIENCE & TECH DEV CO LTD, ENN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO LTD, 2020
An operation and maintenance method for lithium iron phosphate batteries in electric vehicles that improves battery performance and extends life cycle. The method involves charging the battery using a three-stage process: constant power, constant current, and constant voltage. This is followed by discharging at constant power. This charging sequence helps balance cells, prevent polarization, and enable high-rate discharge. After discharge, the battery is cycled through charge-discharge steps.
18. Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery with Enhanced Electrode Coatings and Reduced Electrolyte Volume
QINGDAO GUOXUAN BATTERY CO LTD, 2020
High energy density lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with improved cell design and manufacturing method to increase cell and pack energy density beyond 180Wh/kg. The cell design uses optimized electrode coatings with specific areal densities and compaction densities. The manufacturing method involves compressing the electrode coatings to higher densities, reducing electrolyte volume, and using thinner separators with ceramic coatings. These modifications allow higher energy density LFP cells and packs without sacrificing safety.
19. Lithium Secondary Battery with Composite Positive Electrode of Lithium Iron Phosphate and Nickel Manganese Oxide
LG CHEM LTD, 2019
Lithium secondary battery with improved power characteristics by using a specific combination of positive and negative electrode materials. The battery has a positive electrode with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and layered lithium nickel manganese oxide (NMC) as the active material. The negative electrode has a negative electrode active material with a potential difference of 3.10V or more from LFP at 50% state of charge. This configuration allows higher power output in the discharge end region compared to traditional LFP-only batteries.
20. Battery Management System with Dynamic Operating Mode Control Based on Cell Voltage, Temperature, and State of Charge Monitoring
Shanghai Niuren Automobile Co., Ltd., 2018
Optimizing the performance, life, and cost of batteries in electric vehicles by controlling their operating modes. The battery management system monitors cell voltage, temperature, and state of charge. In certain conditions like charging with partial state of charge or hot ambient temperatures, it suspends charging or reduces charge rate. During driving, it maintains a higher temperature. This prevents excessive charge depths, voltage spikes, and thermal stress that degrade battery health. By dynamically adjusting operating conditions, it balances performance, longevity, and cost.
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