Bmw car models with lithium ion battery

It’s a brave new world for enthusiasts and laypeople when it comes to electric vehicles. Over the years, we’ve had to familiarize ourselves with a variety of terms that rarely – if ever – appeared in the automotive lexicon.

One area of minutia regarding EVs is battery chemistry; specifically, lithium ion type.

Bmw car models with lithium ion battery

Today, we’re taking a look at the two most common battery variants: LFP (lithium iron phosphate) and NMC (nickel manganese cobalt). And, of course, how they relate to the BMW electric vehicles of today and tomorrow.

What’s the Difference: LFP and NMC

So, let’s start with what is currently (hah!) the most common battery type found under the sheet metal of electric vehicles: NMC batteries.

NMC batteries are denser than LFP batteries, and typically more resistant to temperature extremes. These two reasons alone make them a solid choice for automotive applications. Being denser, NMC allow automakers to also reduce weight – increasing performance and, theoretically, range.

NM