NMC Battery Chemistry

[BahamaTodd]

One of the reviews I watched mentioned that they are using NMC for their batteries. I'm actually surprised/disappointed they don't have an LFP option. But it seems efficiency isn't this thing's strong suit considering the battery kWh capacity so they had to go for the most energy density.

 

[Slate81]

For those curious about NMC...


Key Features:

• High energy density: Provides good range for electric vehicles (e.g., trucks like those discussed on Slate Auto Truck Forums).
• Balanced performance: Nickel boosts energy density, cobalt improves stability, and manganese enhances safety and reduces costs.
• Long cycle life: Can handle many charge-discharge cycles, though lifespan varies by usage.
• Applications: Common in EVs (like Tesla, GM, or Rivian trucks), laptops, and grid storage.

Pros:

• Good power output and efficiency.
• Versatile for various climates and conditions.
• Cost-effective compared to some alternatives (e.g., cobalt-heavy batteries).

Cons:

• Contains cobalt, which raises ethical and supply chain concerns.
• Less stable at high temperatures compared to other chemistries (e.g., LFP batteries).
• Performance depends on the specific NMC ratio (e.g., 811 for high nickel, 532 for balanced).

 

[Liontracks]

For those curious about NMC...
Cons:

• Contains cobalt, which raises ethical and supply chain concerns.
• Less stable at high temperatures compared to other chemistries (e.g., LFP batteries).
• Performance depends on the specific NMC ratio (e.g., 811 for high nickel, 532 for balanced).

Hmmm your list of cons does make me curious about your second bullet point. What is the threshold for heat? Like would someone from Arizona or any of the other US desert states need to be concerned about that?

 

[Slate81]

Hmmm your list of cons does make me curious about your second bullet point. What is the threshold for heat? Like would someone from Arizona or any of the other US desert states need to be concerned about that?

NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) batteries start to show thermal instability at high temperatures, typically above 60°C (140°F), with significant risks of degradation or failure escalating around 80°C (176°F) and beyond. Here's a breakdown:

• Above 60°C (140°F): Prolonged exposure can accelerate capacity fade, reducing the battery's lifespan. Chemical reactions within the NMC cathode (e.g., electrolyte decomposition) speed up, causing gradual performance loss.
• Above 80°C (176°F): Risks increase for thermal runaway, where the battery overheats uncontrollably, potentially leading to fires or explosions. This is more likely if the battery is overcharged, damaged, or poorly managed.
• Extreme cases (100°C+/212°F+): Direct exposure to such temperatures (e.g., in a fire or severe environmental conditions) almost guarantees catastrophic failure.

Context for Stability:

• Battery Management Systems (BMS): Modern NMC batteries in electric trucks (like those on Slate Auto Truck Forums) use advanced cooling systems (liquid or air) to keep temps below 40-50°C (104-122°F) during operation, mitigating risks.
• Comparison to LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate): LFP batteries tolerate higher temps (up to ~100°C/212°F) before significant instability, making them safer but less energy-dense.
• Environmental Factors: High ambient temperatures (e.g., desert climates or heavy-duty truck use in summer) can push NMC batteries closer to these thresholds without proper cooling.

Via GrokAi

So, I would say you'd be alright in AZ, those are extremes.