What is the difference between LFP and NMC batteries?

NMC stores more energy per kilogram. LFP contains no cobalt and costs less: in 2025, LFP packs were on average more than 40% cheaper per kWh.

Explained in

eMobility and EV basics · Stop 02What is inside a battery pack?From cell to module to pack: how an electric car stores its energy, why two chemistries share the market, and what the battery management system does.

Most electric cars use one of two lithium-ion families:

From “Two chemistries share the road”, stop 02

Terms

  1. LFPLithium iron phosphate: a lithium-ion chemistry without cobalt, lower in cost, with less energy per kilogram than NMC.
  2. NMCNickel manganese cobalt: a lithium-ion chemistry that stores more energy per kilogram than LFP.
  1. What is the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?A hybrid takes all its energy from fuel; its small battery is filled by the engine and by braking. A plug-in hybrid also charges from the grid, so everyday distances can run on electricity.
  2. What is the difference between kW and kWh?kWh is an amount of energy, for example what the battery holds. kW is a rate, how fast energy flows; time equals energy divided by power.
  3. Why does range drop on the motorway?Air drag grows with the square of speed, and the power needed with its cube. Above about 100 km/h, it dominates consumption.
  4. Why do electric cars lose range in winter?Heating the cabin takes energy, and a cold battery works less efficiently. In a Norwegian winter test, 23 cars lost 21.7% on average against their WLTP range.