Types of

Specific Energy
Refers to the energy content per
unit of the mass of the battery.

Lithium-ion Specific Power

Is the ability to deliver high
Cost

Batteries
current or energy on demand.

Safety Life Span

The composition of a lithium-ion battery determines its energy Performance

Reflects the condition of the
density, safety, cost, and overall performance. Here’s a look at the battery when used in extreme
tradeoffs between the six major types of li-ion cathode technologies. temperature environments.

Of the six major Li-ion technologies, NMC, NCA, and LFP

Breakdown of Cathode Types cathodes are most commonly used.

NMC LITHIUM NICKEL MANGANESE

COBALT OXIDE
NMC batteries are named after different ratios of
NCA LITHIUM NICKEL COBALT
ALUMINUM OXIDE
Nickle based cathodes like NMC and NCA
LFP LITHIUM IRON
PHOSPHATE
LFP batteries are used in energy
minerals in the cathode. For example, the NMC811 offer high specific energy. storage systems and are unmatched
cathode comprises 80% nickle, 10% manganese, for safety and lifespan.
and 10% cobalt, along with lithium.

Specific Energy Specific Energy Specific Energy

Specific Specific Specific

Power Cost Power Cost Power Cost

Safety Life Span Safety Life Span Safety Life Span

Performance Performance Performance

LCO LITHIUM
COBALT OXIDE
Lithium Cobalt Oxide cathodes are a popular choice
LMO LITHIUM
MANGANESE OXIDE LTO LITHIUM
TITANIUM OXIDE

for laptops, smartphones, and digital cameras.

Specific Energy Specific Energy Specific Energy

Specific Specific Specific

Power Cost Power Cost Power Cost

Safety Life Span Safety Life Span Safety Life Span

Performance Performance Performance

Source: Miao Yu et al. (2019), BCG, Battery University