Mercedes-Benz is said to be planning to use so-called LFP batteries for the most affordable electric models. This type of battery would be used in cars such as the EQA and EQB from 2024.
LFP batteries, or lithium iron phosphate batteries, could make the cars in which they are used cheaper. Especially with the less expensive models, this is more important to Mercedes than performance, CEO Ola Källenius reported to Bloomberg. That performance could suffer a bit from the use of LFP batteries, but according to Mercedes, that is an excellent trade for some of the customers with a friendlier price tag.
The LFP batteries do not contain nickel and cobalt, which are precisely the ingredients that are scarce and therefore expensive. They have a somewhat lower energy density, but also have advantages. This allows them to handle more charging cycles and thus theoretically last longer. Tesla is already using LFP batteries for the China-built Model 3 Standard Range Plus, which is also shipping in Europe. However, the brand plans to use this battery composition for Standard Range (Plus) models worldwide, including in the US.
The LFP battery would be used at Mercedes from 2024, in cars in the relatively compact EQA and EQB class.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl