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Nissan gets Japanese government’s approval for LFP battery production

Nissan aims to install lithium-iron phosphate batteries in electric mini vehicles by 2028.

Jerome Tresvalles on Sep 09, 2024

In a recent press release, Nissan Motor announced that Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) had approved its development and mass production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), marking a significant step toward large-scale production.

The automaker also revealed plans to establish a domestic supply chain and production base for LFP batteries in Japan, targeting their use in energy storage systems (ESS) and to power EVs starting in 2028. Specifically, Nissan aims to put these batteries in “electric mini-vehicles”.

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“Nissan will adopt LFP batteries to meet the diverse needs of customers and to provide more affordable electric vehicles. The batteries, to be developed and mass-produced in Japan, will be installed in electric mini-vehicles starting in fiscal year* 2028. We aim to establish a base for LFP batteries in Japan by making the most of the government support approved by METI.”

Makoto Uchida
President & CEO, Nissan Motor Corporation

Earlier in the year, Nissan announced it would invest in developing LFP batteries to keep up with Chinese automakers. The Japanese automaker currently utilizes nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) lithium-ion batteries in its EVs. The move to transition to more affordable materials like lithium iron phosphate is aimed at lowering production costs, especially for smaller models and emerging markets.

Although LFP batteries are up to 30 percent cheaper to manufacture than lithium-ion batteries, they offer a shorter driving range because of their lower energy density. Despite the lower capacity, there are benefits. LFP batteries offer enhanced safety due to their thermal stability and resistance to thermal runaway, making them a more secure choice for applications where safety is a priority. They also have a longer cycle life compared to NCM batteries, which makes them ideal for extensive and prolonged use.

Additionally, LFP batteries boast higher power density, enabling rapid energy discharge, making them well-suited for applications requiring quick bursts of power. Furthermore, their wider temperature tolerance allows them to function efficiently in extreme environments.

Hopefully, this move will mean a cheaper and wider array of EVs from Nissan entering the Philippine market soon.

Nissan currently offers an expansive range of vehicles for the Philippine market ranging from sedans to SUVs and even EVs. Check out the Nissan Car Guide on AutoDeal to see their prices and specs with a simple click.