Lithium Technology Corporation launches large LiFePO4 cells

Lithium Technology Corp. has launched a line of high energy density lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cells that the firm claims are among the largest of their kind. The cells, ranging from 8 Ah to 40 Ah, are intended for use in electrical vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV). The new cells join the firm’s existing high power line, which offers cells ranging from 6 Ah to 35 Ah.

LTC has been working on large-format lithium-ion batteries with the German chemical company Sud-Chemie and its Canadian daughter company Phosteclithium. Those firms own a patent on iron-phosphate technology.

LTC chief executive officer Klaus Brandt said large-format technology allows for the development of safer battery systems with a significantly lower number of cells. Battery weight is decreased while performance and safety monitoring capabilities are increased. A battery management system monitors fewer cells with precision, keeping them in balance for best performance and preventing damage to the battery due to over voltage, under voltage, over temperature and short circuit, according to Brandt.