Tests show new LMFP battery cathode to extend EV range

Conventional Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistries experience a reduction in useable capacity when the battery is operated at high discharge conditions, such as during motorway driving or in high-power applications including electric mining vehicles.

Tests carried out by Qinetiq have demonstrated that Integrals Power’s LMFP cells retain a higher percentage of their nominal capacity than LFP under these conditions.

The LMFP cells are said to have retained 99 per cent of their original capacity at 2C (30 minutes discharge time), and 95 per cent at 5C (12 minutes discharge time). At 10C (six minutes discharge time) capacity retention was 60 per cent.

Qinetiq’s assessments follow other third-party testing in 2024 that showed Integrals Power had achieved the breakthrough of incorporating a Manganese content of 80 per cent and delivering nearly 150mAh/gr specific capacity, while overcoming the reduction in energy density that usually occurs at such high levels.

As a result, Milton Keynes-based Integrals Power said it has demonstrated that its LMFP material can be used to make cells that will enable battery packs to deliver an optimal balance of high performance, long range, and long life that exceeds the capability of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) but at less cost and less reliance on critical minerals than Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM).

Using this technology, automotive OEMs could extend the real-world range of their vehicles, or achieve the same range using fewer cells.

In a statement, Integrals Power founder and CEO, Behnam Hormozi, said: “We’re extremely proud of the test results Qinetiq achieved using our LMFP cathode active materials because they show that we’ve delivered higher C-rate performance and higher retained capacity compromise.

“Together with the proven energy density improvements of up to 20 per cent compared to LFP unlocked by our 80 per cent Manganese content and higher voltage profile of 4.1V, we can demonstrate to our customers around the world that we can enable significant cost and weight reductions, and more compact, more sustainable, and longer-lasting battery pack designs.” 

Qinetiq conducted the tests on pouch cells made using the Integrals Power LMFP material and standard commercial-grade graphite anodes and liquid electrolyte. Each cell was tested at an electrode loading of 2mAh/cm2.