In China, LFP battery packs now cost $75/kWh, and at that level, companies can sell EVs at the same price as or even lower than combustion engine models.
This price trend is really interesting.
How does this normalize it globally and not just give China an advantage where you’ll see more EVs there? They’re already trying to push cheaper EVs globally and all the other countries are freaking out about anti-competitive practices. Unless that cost can be bought by anyone building an EV, it doesn’t really help.
I found an interesting graphic that shows regional price trends compared to china. A few years ago, battery prices in Europe were 80% higher than in china. By 2023, this difference decreased to 20%.
Here is the image (source)
China definitely had an advantage a few years ago, but the gap is shrinking.
The cells can be bought by anyone but that number doesn’t take shipping into account. Alibaba or www.gobelpower.com I have bought 16 cells and getting ready to buy 32 more. Its more that other car manufactures are not using them in there vehicles and they are making luxury vehicals instead what people really need. I really wish other country’s had production of cells for sale. I can’t find a single one thats not China produced that will sell to the public.
interesting, are you putting them in vehicles? I’m surprised people aren’t flipping conversions, maybe its not profitable enough?
I’m using them for solar storage. Replacing a lead acid battery.
I would like to do vehical conversion one day, if prices don’t come down on new. Or better yet, hopfully vehical manufactures standardized battery cell size and availably so replacing batteries in used electric isn’t a $30000 nightmare.
Which country are you looking to buy in?
No specific country, but somewhere in north america would be nice. The end of my comment was just referring to unavailability of cells made and produced in country’s other than China. From my small experience most companies won’t even talk to you for small orders, are very expensive or say something like they are only looking for investors. I can’t wait for the day when these cells are on the shelf at local stores.
I’ve yet to find USA made. But here’s what I know.
https://www.18650batterystore.com/
https://szluyuan.en.alibaba.com/
https://diysolarforum.com/1st one is out of Georgia, USA. If you sign up for email they will let you know when sales happen. I’ve only ordered cylindrical. I missed a 50% off sale on cylindrical the other day because I decided to go LFP cylindrical but haven’t made it around to buying any yet.
2nd is where I bought my 280ah prismatics direct from China.
3rd has good info and where you catch Amy sometimes. She is the 2nd link. Sometimes people organize a group buy to help with costs.
When I bought from China (awhile back) it was the best deal at the time but more important the reseller is solid (Amy) and came highly recommend from the forums. At the end of the day I wanted cells in good condition and no funny business. If you talk to them they will work with you but they are limited to what they can do. Don’t waste their time. Keep in mind the time zone and language issue. I’m not sure where things are at now since all the new laws as I bought a shit ton before “The War On Green Energy”.
Thanks for the good info!
It won’t here in the US. It never does
Based on how things have gone with those cheap Chinese batteries in those e-scooters and hover boards, I cannot possibly forsee any problems whatsoever…
Chinese EVs use LFP batteries in most cases (about 65% market share). LFP batteries are known to be safer than other lithium-based batteries (source).
Just ignore the African children mining the minerals
Most batteries in cars don’t use cobalt, manganese and nickel.
This was different a few years ago, but the trend is towards battery cells that don’t use these metals.