Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)

A cathode using iron and phosphate instead of nickel and cobalt — cheaper, safer, lower energy density.

Definition

A lithium-ion battery cathode chemistry (LiFePO4) that uses iron phosphate instead of nickel and cobalt. LFP batteries offer lower cost, longer cycle life, and improved safety compared to NMC batteries, but with lower energy density. Increasingly used in EVs and stationary storage.

Why it matters

LFP has taken large share in standard-range vehicles and dominates grid storage. It uses no nickel or cobalt at all, which is the single biggest reason demand forecasts for those two metals were revised down.

See also

  • NMC Battery Chemistry Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt lithium-ion battery chemistry, one of the most common types used in electric vehicles.
  • Lithium Carbonate (Li2CO3) A white powdery compound that is the most common form of lithium used in battery production. Produced from eit
  • Battery Metals A group of critical minerals essential for lithium-ion battery production, including lithium, cobalt, nickel,

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