The battery in an electric car is the core component that powers the vehicle. It stores electrical energy (measured in kWh) to power the EV’s motor, determining the vehicle’s range.
What are the main types of EV batteries used in India, and how are they different?
EV batteries come in many types. The main types of EV batteries include lithium-ion variations like LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) and NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt). Additionally, specialized variants like BYD’s Blade Battery (a type of LFP) have emerged. In this blog, EVJoints brings you battery types, their pros & cons, and lots more:
What is an LFP battery, and why do Indian automakers prefer it?
LFP batteries use lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material. They are known for being safer, cheaper, more environment-friendly (cobalt-free), and having a longer cycle life, but have lower energy density and therefore generally provide shorter driving range per charge. LFP batteries are often preferred in lower-range and more affordable EV models.
Pros & Cons of LFP battery:
Pros: Less prone to overheating, longer lifespan, cost-effective, uses more sustainable materials.
Cons: Lower energy density (means larger/heavier batteries for the same range), slightly reduced performance in cold temperatures.
What makes NMC batteries ideal for long-range EVs?
NMC batteries use a cathode composed of nickel, manganese & cobalt. These batteries have higher energy density, providing more driving range and faster charging in cold climates. However, they are more expensive, use environment-sensitive and less sustainable materials (cobalt & nickel), and carry higher thermal risks. NMC batteries are typically preferred for high performance and long range EVs.
Pros & Cons of NMC battery:
Pros: High energy density enables longer ranges, good balance of power, range & weight.
Cons: Higher cost (due to scarce materials like cobalt), shorter lifespan than LFP, requires advanced thermal management.
What is BYD’s Blade Battery, and how does it improve EV safety?
A specialized LFP battery developed by BYD, with a unique prismatic cell design resembling long, thin blades. It’s a structural battery integrated into the vehicle’s chassis. The Blade battery is designed to reduce thermal risks, which is needed in India’s hot climate. Also, the Blade battery allows up to 50% more cells in the same space compared to traditional packs, increasing range without enlarging the battery.
Pros & Cons of Blade battery:
Pros: Enhanced safety, space-efficient thereby allowing better vehicle integration & more interior room, cost-effective & durable.
Cons: Lower energy density than NMC, currently proprietary to BYD, limiting widespread adoption.
Categorization of Electric Cars in India based on Battery Chemistry:
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India’s electric car market is rapidly expanding, with lithium-ion batteries dominating due to their efficiency & scalability. The primary chemistries used by automakers in India are Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) for cost-effectiveness and safety, Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) for higher energy density and range, and a specialized LFP battery developed by BYD, the Blade battery.
LFP holds the biggest share due to affordability and alignment with India’s hot climate, while NMC remains popular for performance-oriented & long range EVs. Blade Batteries are exclusive to BYD’s ecosystem, but through partnerships, they’re integrated into select non-BYD vehicles in India.
Which Indian electric cars use LFP batteries?
All of Tata Motors’ electric cars (Tiago EV, Tigor EV, Nexon EV, Curvv EV & Harrier EV) use LFP batteries. VinFast VF6 & VF7 also use LFP batteries. All MG electric cars (except MG Cyberster) use LFP. Citroen EV also uses LFP for the eC3.
Which Indian electric cars use NMC batteries?
Hyundai Creta Electric, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia Carens Clavis EV, Kia EV6 and MG Cyberster use NMC batteries.
Tesla Model Y, comes in two variants: 63 kWh & 83 kWh. The 63 kWh variant comes with LFP battery while the 83 kWh long-range variant comes with NMC battery.
Which Indian electric cars use Blade batteries?
All BYD cars in India (Seal, Sealion 7, Atto 3 & eMAX 7) come with Blade battery. Apart from BYD, Mahindra electric SUVs (Mahindra XEV 9e & Mahindra BE 6) also use Blade batteries.
Which companies supply EV batteries to Indian automakers like Tata, MG, and Hyundai?
All Indian EV manufacturers rely on both in-house battery development and international partnerships. Many companies are forming joint ventures with Chinese battery manufacturers to locally develop lithium-ion batteries in the near future.
Tata Motors: Tata Motors sources its EV batteries from its group company Tata AutoComp Systems. Tata AutoComp and China’s Gotion (Guoxuan) have joined hands to manufacture battery packs. Apart from Gotion, Tata Motors also sources batteries from another Chinese company Octillion Power Systems.
Mahindra: Mahindra uses BYD blade batteries in the XEV 9e & BE 6 electric SUVs. The battery packs are assembled locally but production hasn’t fully localized.
MG: MG’s main battery supplier is Chinese company CATL, a partnership that has been in place through MG’s parent company, SAIC Motor. SAIC Motor & CATL have a joint venture to produce EV batteries. Most Indian MG cars deploy battery packs imported from China.
Hyundai & Kia: Hyundai & Kia gets its lithium-ion cells from global suppliers LG Energy Solution & Samsung SDI. Hyundai’s associate company Mobis India assembles these cells locally. Hyundai & Kia have announced a strategic partnership with Exide for planned localization of battery manufacturing in India.
The table below focusses on 4 electric cars from 4 automakers in India (Tata Motors, Mahindra, MG & Hyundai) and covers all above discussed data:
Conclusion:
Battery types depend on the EV’s target market, range requirements, safety priorities & cost constraints. LFP dominates in affordable models from Tata & MG, offering safety, cost-effectiveness & durability ideal for urban commuters, with vehicles like the Tata Nexon EV leading the charge. NMC batteries, found in premium offerings like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 & Kia EV6, cater to those seeking longer ranges and performance. The adoption of Blade Batteries by Mahindra highlights a focus on enhanced safety & efficiency. As India’s EV ecosystem grows, supported by expanding EV charging infrastructure and government incentives, the choice of battery chemistry will continue to drive affordability, sustainability & performance, paving the way for a greener automotive future.
