INTI uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) technology in its batteries. LFP technology is considered safer than the Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) technology that is used in about 70% of EVs in the US today. The reason LFP technology is safer is because it has much higher thermal stability.
While both are engineered to high safety standards for electric vehicles, their chemical structures react differently to stress:
Key Safety Differences
- Thermal Runaway Threshold: LFP batteries are more resistant to heat, typically not reaching a "runaway" state (where a fire can become self-sustaining) until they hit 270°C/518°F–300°C/572°F. NMC batteries have a lower threshold, often starting to break down at 150°C/302°F–210°C/410°F.
- Oxygen Release: NMC chemistry contains oxygen within its layered structure that can be released during a failure, effectively "feeding" a fire from within. LFP’s olivine structure holds oxygen more tightly, making it far less likely to catch fire even if the cell is punctured or crushed.
- Combustion Intensity: If a fire does occur, NMC batteries tend to burn hotter and faster (peaking around 800°C/1472°F.) compared to LFP (around 620°C/1148°F.).
- Abuse Tolerance: LFP is more "forgiving" of overcharging, deep discharges, and physical damage.
The trend in the automotive industry is to phase out NMC technology and replace it with LFP due to its increased safety and lower cost.
