Forget everything you thought you knew about electric car batteries. Geely, owner of brands like Smart and Zeekr, has just unveiled LFP technology that could make your grandchildren the heirs to your electric car.
Geely, the Chinese group behind Volvo and Lotus, has just made a great announcement. Its new LFP battery promises a lifespan of 50 years.
Before we explore this incredible promise, let’s remember who Geely is. This Chinese group is a true automobile empire. He owns Volvo, Lotus, the electric brand Zeekr, and even relaunched Smart in partnership with Mercedes.
The LFP Aegis Short Blade battery: a technical feat
Geely revealed its new L battery cellFP baptized Aegis Short Blade. Remember this name, because its characteristics are sure to turn heads:
- An energy density of 192 Wh/kg
- An announced lifespan of 50 years
- Charge to 80% in less than 20 minutes
- Impressive resistance to cold
But the most impressive thing is its longevity: 3,500 charge cycles, the equivalent of around a million kilometers.
To give you an idea, it’s like driving 20,000 km per year for 50 years with the same battery!
LFP vs NMC: Why this choice?
Geely has opted for LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) technology over the more common NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt). Why? LFP batteries generally have a lower energy density, but they make up for it with better stability and a longer lifespan. Geely seems to have found a way to combine the best of both worlds.
A revolution for the second-hand market?
Geely is making no secret of its ambitions: this battery could disrupt the used electric car market. Imagine buying a used electric car knowing that its battery still has decades to go.
How does Geely achieve such performance? The secret lies in the use of carbon nanotubes and an improved cover film. These innovations allow lithium ions to move faster, resulting in ultra-fast charging and better resistance to cold.
To prove the reliability of its battery, Geely subjected it to extreme tests: exposure to flames, drilling with nails, crushing, immersion in sea water, driving under zero… And the Aegis Short Blade battery has everything supported!
If Geely delivers on its promises, the impact on the auto industry could be colossal. No more worries about battery life. No more criticism of the environmental impact of frequent battery replacement.
Geely is not alone in this quest. Other giants like CATL (the world’s largest battery manufacturer) are also working on batteries capable of lasting a million kilometers, without forgetting BYD obviously.
Of course, you have to be careful. There is often a gap between announcements and the reality on the ground. These batteries will first be used in Geely’s Galaxy E5 SUVs, before perhaps equipping other brands in the group such as Volvo or Lotus. We will have to wait to see these batteries in action in the real world to judge their true potential.