What types of batteries are there for electric vehicles?

The most common types of electric vehicle batteries currently include lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium iron phosphate batteries, and blade batteries.

What should be noted when charging electric vehicles?

Different types of electric vehicle batteries have different charging considerations, but generally: avoid complete discharge, avoid charging in extremely cold or hot environments, it is recommended to use medium or slow charging, and maintain battery charge at around 50% during long-term parking.

[EV Batteries] 5 Main Battery Types, Features, Pros & Cons｜Charging Tips

[Electric vehicle battery] 5 major battery types, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages | Charging precautions

Author: Kwiksure Team create date

Created On: 2025-05-15 edit date

Edited On: 2025-05-19

Batteries are not only the power source of electric vehicles, but also affect handling, price, safety, and many other aspects. What types of batteries are currently used in electric vehicles? What are the characteristics of different battery types? What should you pay attention to when charging? This time, Kwiksure introduces the mainstream EV batteries, explains their features, pros and cons, and how to choose the right electric vehicle.

Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery (LFP)

Lithium iron phosphate batteries use LiFePO4 as the cathode material and carbon as the anode. Their energy density is lower than that of lithium-ion batteries and can be considered a type of lithium-ion battery. LFP batteries provide stable operating temperatures and do not overheat, offering excellent reliability. Some Tesla Model 3 versions have used LFP batteries.

Additionally, LFP batteries have a longer cycle life, can withstand multiple charge/discharge cycles, and thus have a longer lifespan. The downside is lower energy density, resulting in shorter range, and battery capacity drops in cold environments.

Representative models: Tesla Model 3 (some versions), BYD Han

Advantages:

High safety, not prone to thermal runaway
Long lifespan, can withstand many charge/discharge cycles
Lower cost, helps reduce EV prices

Disadvantages:

Lower energy density, shorter range
Poor low-temperature performance, capacity drops in cold

Blade Battery

The Blade Battery, developed by BYD, stands out by using long, flat cells that resemble blades. The internal material is mainly lithium iron phosphate (LFP), which is cheaper than high-nickel ternary lithium batteries and helps reduce EV prices. In terms of durability, it offers 3,000 charge cycles and a battery life of up to 8 years or 1.2 million kilometers.

Blade batteries maintain stable operating temperatures and can effectively prevent overheating even under extreme conditions like crushing or puncture, greatly improving safety. The tightly packed cells also make better use of internal space, increasing overall energy density. However, the elongated shape takes up more space and requires higher installation skill.

Representative models: BYD Seal, BYD Sealion

Advantages:

Low cost, helps reduce vehicle price
Stable operating temperature, reduces overheating
Battery pack is tightly packed, makes better use of space

Disadvantages:

Unique shape, takes up more space
More complex and costly to repair than other battery types

Detailed Comparison of Battery Types

Battery Type	Energy Density	Safety	Lifespan	Cost	Low Temp Performance	Charging Tips
Lithium-ion Battery	High	Medium	Long	High	Medium	Avoid over-discharging Avoid staying fully charged for long periods Avoid charging in direct sunlight or cold environments
Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery	Low	High	Long	Medium	High	Avoid overcharging and over-discharging Regularly fully charge and discharge
Solid-State Battery	Very High	Very High	To be verified	Very High	Very High	No data yet
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery	Medium	High	Long	Low	Low	Avoid complete discharge Avoid charging in very cold or hot environments Recommend using medium or slow charging Keep charge at 50% if parked long-term
Blade Battery	High	Very High	Very High	Low	Very High	Charge when battery is at 20%-30% Recommended to charge up to 80% Fully charge once a week

How to Choose an EV Battery?

Focus on range: If you often drive long distances, choose models equipped with high-density lithium-ion or solid-state batteries.
Focus on safety: If safety is a priority, models with lithium iron phosphate or solid-state batteries are more suitable.
Focus on cost: If you are on a budget, prioritize models with lithium iron phosphate batteries.
Focus on low-temperature performance: While Hong Kong rarely experiences low temperatures, if you live in a cold region, choose vehicles with nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion batteries with good low-temperature performance.

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Author Kwiksure Team

Kwiksure is a licensed motor insurance brokerage company with over 20 years of experience in insurance. The company strives to simplify insurance and select the best insurance plans for customers that fit their budget and coverage needs.

Kwiksure provides a range of insurance products, including car insurance, motorcycle insurance, cross-border insurance between Hong Kong and Mainland China, home insurance, travel insurance, domestic helper insurance, and voluntary medical insurance. The team has been named "Best Car Insurance Broker" and "Outstanding Leadership Award" by various media outlets over the years.

Author: Kwiksure Team

Created On: 2025-05-15