A lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) battery is a lithium-iron phosphate battery (LFP) that includes manganese as a cathode component. As of 2023, multiple companies are readying LMFP batteries for commercial use.[1] Vendors claim that LMFP batteries can be competitive in cost with LFP, while achieving superior performance.[2]
Chinese battery company Gotion claims to have achieved weight energy density of 240 Wh/kg, a volume energy density of 525 Wh/l, and a duration of 1800-4000 cycles. Weight energy density at the pack level is 190 Wh/kg.
In 2014, BYD Auto announced its intentions to offer LMFP batteries in its vehicles in 2015. As of 2023, the batteries had not been released.[3]
In 2022, Gotion reached agreement with the US state of Michigan on a package of incentives for building a large battery factory in the northern part of the state, despite some local opposition.
Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) with its M3P battery announced plans to ship batteries in 2023, while BYD, Sunwoda, and Eve Energy are also commercializing LMFP batteries.
Commercializing the technology involved reducing manganese dissolution at high temperatures, increasing conductivity and compaction density, granulation technology, and electrolyte additives are all challenges faced by LMFP batteries. The company received a patent on its technology.[4]