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Battery chemistry compared
The cathode chemistry decides how much energy a battery holds, how many cycles it lasts and how it behaves when it fails.
Lithium-ion chemistriesEnergy density in Wh/kg at cell level. Pack price is the BloombergNEF 2025 global average.
| Chemistry | Cell voltage | Wh/kg | Cycle life | Thermal runaway | Pack $/kWh | EVs in our data | Used in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LFP (lithium iron phosphate) | 3.2 V | 90–160 | 2,000–5,000 | About 270 °C | $81 | 229 | Standard-range EVs, home storage, some e-bikes |
| NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) | 3.6–3.7 V | 150–220 | 1,000–2,000 | About 210 °C | $128 | 218 | Most e-bikes, scooters and long-range EVs |
| NCA (nickel cobalt aluminum) | 3.6 V | 200–260 | 500–1,500 | About 150 °C | – | 0 | Tesla long-range packs, Panasonic cells |
| LCO (lithium cobalt oxide) | 3.7 V | 150–200 | 500–1,000 | About 150 °C | – | 0 | Phones and laptops, not vehicles |
| LMO (lithium manganese oxide) | 3.7 V | 100–150 | 300–700 | About 250 °C | – | 0 | Early EVs (Nissan Leaf), power tools, blended with NMC |
| LTO (lithium titanate) | 2.4 V | 50–80 | 3,000–7,000+ | Very stable | – | 0 | Buses, fast-charge niche uses |
LFP vs NMC at a glance
| LFP | NMC | |
|---|---|---|
| Range for same weight | Lower | Higher |
| Charge to 100% daily | Fine | Better to stop at 80–90% |
| Cold weather | Weaker | Better |
| Fire risk | Lower | Higher |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Contains cobalt / nickel | No | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
Is LFP better than NMC?
LFP lasts more cycles, costs less and is less prone to thermal runaway. NMC stores more energy per kilogram, so it gives more range for the same weight. Most e-bikes use NMC; many standard-range EVs now use LFP.
What chemistry are e-bike batteries?
Almost all e-bike packs use NMC or NCA cylindrical cells (18650 or 21700). A few cargo bikes and conversion kits use LFP for longer life.
What is a solid-state battery?
A solid-state battery replaces the liquid electrolyte with a solid one. It promises higher energy density and lower fire risk but is not yet in mass-produced e-bikes or mainstream EVs.