Rivian has begun customer deliveries of its first major commercial van hardware refresh, introducing an all-wheel-drive configuration alongside an upgraded lithium iron phosphate battery pack. The new pack delivers roughly 30% more driving range, pushing the electric delivery vehicle beyond its longstanding 160-mile rating. The company confirmed the rollout during its third-quarter earnings update, marking a key capability boost for fleet operators.
MG is readying a budget-friendly subcompact electric hatchback dubbed the Go, designed to challenge rivals like the Renault 5 and electric Mini Cooper. Built on parent company SAIC's E+ architecture, the retro-styled EV is expected to offer a 43-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate pack and a starting price near £20,000. While European deliveries will kick off next year, local assembly is scheduled to launch at a newly planned facility in Spain by 2028.
Smart is reviving its urban roots with the introduction of the all-new #2, a compact two-seater electric vehicle. Designed to replicate the original Fortwo's city-friendly dimensions, this EV boasts a 180-mile WLTP range and features a lithium-iron-phosphate battery and V2L capability. Expected to launch in the UK next year, the #2 aims to offer an affordable entry into the electric market.
The refreshed Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech models are now more competitively priced in the UK, following a boost in government grants. This improved affordability for the Megane is partly due to its shift to a new LFP battery pack, which helped it qualify for the maximum £3,750 Electric Car Grant, making it a stronger contender against rivals.
Chinese battery manufacturers are setting new benchmarks for EV charging speed, introducing a novel LFP battery that can charge from 10% to 70% in just 4.5 minutes. This technological leap, achieved at a relatively cool 65°C, highlights a growing disparity in charging performance compared to current US standards. The rapid advancement positions China at the forefront of battery development, pushing the envelope for quick and efficient EV power delivery.
Nissan is preparing to introduce a new compact electric vehicle called the Pixo, which will utilize an LFP battery and be built on a platform shared with Renault. This strategic collaboration aims to bring an affordable urban EV option to market, leveraging existing architecture for efficiency.
Canada's Nano One Materials is collaborating with Standard Lithium to qualify domestically sourced lithium carbonate for LFP (lithium iron phosphate) cathode production. This partnership aims to strengthen the North American EV supply chain by developing a local source of a critical battery material for the growing LFP battery market.
Renault has introduced significant updates to its electric 5 supermini, enhancing its appeal with increased range and efficiency. The revisions include a new LFP battery chemistry and aerodynamic improvements, promising better performance and a more modern driving experience.
Owners of a 78,000-mile Tesla Model 3 equipped with an LFP battery recently put their vehicle through a thorough battery health test. Despite its extensive mileage and unknown charging history, the car's LFP pack demonstrated remarkably healthy degradation, retaining a significant portion of its original capacity.
Audi is preparing to launch its new A2 E-Tron, an entry-level electric vehicle designed to be both the most affordable and most efficient EV in its lineup. Preliminary tests show impressive energy consumption, with the compact car potentially achieving nearly 5 miles per kWh with an optional efficiency package.
A recent analysis of nearly 10,000 real-world EV battery tests indicates that Tesla Model 3 vehicles equipped with LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery packs maintain their charge capacity more effectively than those using nickel-based chemistry. The study found that LFP-powered Model 3s by CATL averaged 93.3% battery health after exceeding 62,000 miles, surpassing all nickel-based variants in the dataset. This suggests significant long-term durability advantages for the LFP technology.
A 2023 Tesla Model 3 equipped with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack reportedly experienced a 10% capacity degradation after just 26,000 miles. While not critically poor, this level of wear is more significant than frequently advertised for LFP batteries, which are often cited for their exceptional longevity.
Integrals Power, a UK-based company, has announced successful external validation of its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode active material. Cell tests at the University of St Andrews confirmed a specific capacity exceeding 153 mAh/g, positioning their UK-produced LFP favorably against existing Chinese market leaders. This advancement could bolster the Western supply chain for crucial EV battery components.
A recent test of a Tesla Model Y's LFP battery, primarily charged via fast chargers, revealed an initial steep decline in health. However, subsequent data indicates this degradation has largely ceased, suggesting the pack has found a stable baseline.
German manufacturer EAS Batteries has begun commercial sales of its new large-format cylindrical LFP battery cells. These cells utilize an acetonitrile-based electrolyte developed by Asahi Kasei, which promises enhanced conductivity, lower internal resistance, and improved performance across various temperatures compared to standard electrolytes.
