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SK Innovation’s battery unit, SK On, is now finally considering developing LFP (LiFePO4) batteries for electric vehicles. This decision comes shortly after its domestic competitor, LG Energy Solution announced that’s already developing EV batteries with this cobalt-free chemistry - that should become available next year. According to SK On top officials, the biggest advantages of the LFP battery chemistry are cost and safety. Jee Dong-seob, CEO of SK On, admitted to Reuters that “there is an interest in LFP technology from automakers”.

Today MG unveiled its new all-electric model range, comprised by the electric station wagon MG5, its flagship SUV Marvel R Electric and a renewed MG ZS EV. Let’s see the press release. All-new MG Marvel R Electric Unveiled last March, the MG Marvel R Electric is the brand’s flagship SUV, fitted for European motorists who appreciate design, technology and performance. The largest and most luxurious SUV in MG’s portfolio offers a spacious interior with great attention to refinement, quality and technology. Particularly striking is the 19.4” central touchscreen to operate the all-new MG iSMART connectivity system with an extensive range of (online) functions and connection through a smartphone app, with which various functions can be controlled remotely.

After postponing multiple times its three-wheeled gas car, now Elio Motors wants to produce an electric version to become a more affordable alternative to Aptera. ELIO MOTORS ANNOUNCES INTENT TO PRODUCE AN ELECTRIC VERSION OF ITS POPULAR VEHICLE. Phoenix, AZ— September 9, 2021 — Elio Motors OTCMKTS: ELIO, (eliomotors.com) is announcing their intention to produce an electric version of their three-wheeled vehicle. The announcement is based on the change in consumer demand and finance markets’ new appetite for electric vehicles. The Elio-E model has a targeted base at $14,900 making it the most affordable entry level electric vehicle on the market.

According to the some recent MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) documents, a pure electric dump truck from the XCMG Group now holds the record for having the most energy dense LFP (LiFePO4) battery. The XCMG Group is the leading Chinese construction machinery manufacturer and one of the world’s largest. Let’s see more details of this electric truck. Length: 10.900 mm Width: 2.550 mm Height: 3.500 mm Gross weight: 31.000 kg Curb weight: 23.000/23.600 kg (empty vehicle) Maximum speed: 80 km/h Range: 420 km Battery capacity: 422,87 kWh Battery energy density: 176,1 Wh/kg Battery chemistry: LFP (LiFePO4) Motor: 450 kW and 2.800 N.m of torque Unfortunately I couldn’t find a picture of this electric truck.

Nothing much to say here, this is currently the best EV platform. Wang Chuanfu, the Chairman and President of BYD, said that the e-platform 3.0 is the vital factor for its transition toward intelligence from electrification in the change of NEVs and also the cradle for the next generation of EVs. BYD’s integrated new energy solutions encompass energy acquisition, storage, and application. With the help of this comprehensive solution, BYD aims to build a zero-emission ecosystem within a closed-loop to address global warming through practical action.

The Chinese all-electric car maker Hozon Auto has been developing an English version of its website to prepare the expansion to other markets. Now, the carmaker finally announced that it will produce a right-hand drive version of its affordable electric car NETA V to be exported to ASEAN countries. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) brings together ten Southeast Asian states into one organisation: Brunei Cambodia Indonesia Laos Malaysia Myanmar Philippines Singapore Thailand Vietnam In China the NETA V is available in many versions, but the one bellow offers the best value for money.

Korean battery cell makers have been producing almost exclusively NCM battery cells, but according to Korean media, LG Energy Solution will launch LFP (LiFePO4) battery cells already next year. LFP is a cobalt-free chemistry that allows to produce electric cars that are as cheap as their ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) counterparts. BYD already reached 55 euros per kWh at the battery pack level with the module-less approach. However, it seems that LG will produce LFP pouch battery cells to be inserted in modules, just like Guoxuan - that expects to reach 260 Wh/kg next year by combining LFP cathode with silicon anode.

Lithium metal is one of the best candidates to replace graphite as an anode material thanks to its high theoretical capacity. The problem is that batteries using lithium metal anodes currently have poor cycle life. However, thanks to a new non-flammable dual-anion ionic liquid electrolyte this could soon change. Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and the Helmholtz Institute Ulm – Electrochemical Energy Storage (HIU) have now found a solution. As you report in Joule magazine, you are using a promising new combination of materials. They use a low-cobalt, nickel-rich layered cathode (NCM88). This offers a high energy density. With the commonly used commercially available organic electrolyte (LP30), however, the stability leaves a lot to be desired. The storage capacity decreases as the number of charging cycles increases.

The BYD Yuan Plus is expected to become available to order in China already next month with a price between 130.000 and 160.000 yuan (17.106 and 21.054 euros). This is the second electric car built on the new BYD e-platform 3.0 and if you think that the BYD Dolphin is too small, this might be the right electric car for you. Initially, this electric car will be available in two range versions, let’s see them in detail.

The BYD Dolphin is now finally available to pre-order in China. This affordable electric car is packed with nice features and has many different versions to choose from, so let’s check them out. BYD Dolphin Vigorous version Length: 4.070 mm Wheelbase: 2.700 mm Width: 1.770 mm Height: 1.570 mm Tire specifications: 195/60 R16 Gross vehicle weight: 1.660 kg (with passengers and cargo) Curb weight: 1.285 kg (empty vehicle) Motor: 70 kW and 180 N.m of torque Max speed: 150 km/h Battery capacity: 30,72 kWh Battery chemistry: LFP (LiFePO4) Blade battery by BYD Range: 301 km (NEDC), roughly 225 km in WLTP Consumption: 10,3 kWh/100 km (NEDC), roughly 13,7 kWh/100 km in WLTP On-board charger: 7 kW Fast charging: 40 kW (from 30 to 80 % in 30 minutes) Starting price (after subsidy): 96.800 yuan (12.684 euros) BYD Dolphin Free edition

The BYD Dolphin is one of the most expected electric cars this year for its great value for money. We already saw the specs of the two first versions that will soon be delivered in China, but now a third version got homologated by the MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology). Let’s see the first two homologated versions to then compare to the third version. BYD Dolphin standard range version

The Cherry Cat is the first SUV made by ORA and will be available with LFP (LiFePO4) and NMx cobalt-free batteries made by SVOLT for different ranges/prices. The general characteristics of this electric car were already known and are listed below. ORA Cherry Cat (LFP version) Length: 4.510 mm Wheelbase: 2.710 mm Width: 1.855 mm Height: 1.665 mm Gross vehicle weight: 2.230 kg (with passengers and cargo) Curb weight: 1.800 – 1.855 kg (empty vehicle) Motor: 66 kW (constant) and 150 kW (peak) Max speed: 180 km/h Battery: LFP (LiFePO4) by SVOLT ORA Cherry Cat (NMx version)