1. Energy Density:

Energy density is a key metric for measuring a battery's energy storage capacity. It directly determines how much energy a battery can store within a given volume or weight. In this regard, ternary lithium batteries demonstrate a clear advantage. Generally speaking, the cell energy density of a ternary lithium battery can reach around 200Wh/kg, meaning it can store more energy within a given volume or weight. This characteristic has made ternary lithium batteries a shining example in the electric vehicle sector, significantly extending vehicle range and meeting consumers' urgent need for longer driving range. Furthermore, for high-end electronic products, the high energy density of ternary lithium batteries also means lighter designs and longer-lasting battery life.

In contrast, the energy density of lithium iron phosphate batteries is relatively low, typically around 110Wh/kg. This value limits the performance of lithium iron phosphate batteries in applications requiring high energy density, such as electric vehicles, where the range is significantly impacted. However, the advantages of lithium iron phosphate batteries in other areas make them irreplaceable in certain specific applications.

2. Safety Performance:

Safety performance is a crucial factor to consider during battery use. Lithium iron phosphate batteries demonstrate exceptional performance in this regard. The thermal decomposition temperature of lithium iron phosphate material reaches as high as 800°C, meaning that relatively little heat is generated during charging and discharging. Even under extreme conditions such as overcharging and short-circuiting, lithium iron phosphate batteries are less susceptible to thermal runaway, resulting in a relatively high level of safety. This characteristic has led to their widespread use in energy storage systems and household electricity, effectively reducing the risk of fire and explosion.

Ternary lithium batteries, however, contain active metal elements such as cobalt, resulting in relatively poor thermal stability. They begin to decompose at around 200°C. Overheating, short-circuiting, or improper operation can easily lead to thermal runaway, increasing the risk of fire and explosion. Therefore, the use of ternary lithium batteries requires more stringent battery management systems and enhanced safety precautions to ensure their safety.

3. Cycle Life

Cycle life is a key indicator of a battery's long-term performance. In this regard, lithium iron phosphate batteries demonstrate superior performance. Due to their stable crystal structure and excellent electro-chemical properties, lithium iron phosphate batteries maintain a high capacity during charge and discharge cycles, achieving a cycle life of 3,500-5,000 cycles. This characteristic makes lithium iron phosphate batteries particularly suitable for applications requiring long-term, stable operation, such as energy storage systems.

In contrast, ternary lithium batteries have a cycle life of approximately 2,500 cycles, and their capacity decay is relatively rapid after long-term use. This drawback limits their use in certain applications requiring long-term, stable operation. However, through continuous technological improvements and optimization, the cycle life of ternary lithium batteries is gradually improving, and they are expected to achieve even better performance in this area in the future.

4. Charge and Discharge Performance:

Charge and discharge performance is a key indicator of a battery's charging speed and discharge capacity. In this regard, ternary lithium batteries demonstrate a clear advantage. Ternary lithium batteries can quickly absorb and release electrical energy, offering high charging efficiency and significantly shortening charging times, meeting the demands of fast-paced lifestyles and production. This characteristic has led to their widespread use in the fast-charging field of electric vehicles.

Traditional lithium iron phosphate batteries, on the other hand, are relatively slow to charge and discharge, requiring longer charging times. However, with the continuous advancement of technology, the fast-charging performance of lithium iron phosphate batteries is gradually improving.

5.Low-Temperature Performance:

Low-Temperature performance is a measure of a battery's ability to operate in low-temperature environments. Ternary lithium batteries demonstrate outstanding performance in this regard. Even at temperatures as low as -30°C, they can maintain a certain discharge capacity, ensuring the long-range driving of electric vehicles in winter. This characteristic has led to their widespread application in cold regions.

Lithium iron phosphate batteries, on the other hand, experience significant performance degradation at low temperatures, with their maximum operating temperature generally around -20°C. In low-temperature environments, the capacity of lithium iron phosphate batteries decreases and charging speeds slow. This drawback limits their application in cold regions. However, through continuous technological research and development and improvements, the low-temperature performance of lithium iron phosphate batteries is gradually improving.

6.Discharge Curve:

The discharge curve describes the voltage changes during the discharge process. In this regard, lithium iron phosphate batteries and ternary lithium batteries have different characteristics. The discharge curve of lithium iron phosphate batteries has distinct high-voltage, plateau, and low-voltage regions, making it difficult for users to accurately determine the remaining charge from the voltage reading. Therefore, the battery management system for lithium iron phosphate batteries requires more complex algorithms to estimate the remaining charge.

The discharge curve of ternary lithium batteries is relatively smooth, making it easier for users to determine the charge level from the voltage. However, in pursuit of high energy density, ensuring stable discharge control is a challenge for battery management technology. Therefore, when using ternary lithium batteries, a more sophisticated battery management system is required to ensure stable and accurate discharge.

In summary, lithium iron phosphate batteries and Li(NiCoMn)O₂ batteries each have advantages in multiple dimensions, including energy density, safety, cycle life, charge and discharge performance, low-temperature performance, and discharge curve. When selecting a battery, it is necessary to comprehensively consider various factors based on the specific application scenario and needs to select the most suitable battery type.