KATHMANDU: At the 2025 Tokyo Motor Show, BYD said it will continue to rely on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for its electric vehicles, stressing that safety remains the company’s top priority.
Li Yunfei, BYD GM of Brand & PR, said China has become the fastest-growing and most resource-rich market for EV batteries, backed by strong research and a solid industrial base.
While solid-state batteries show promise, Li said current technologies like LFP are already mature, supported by a wide charging network, and perform well even in cold weather.
He noted that reports of EV fires often involve non-LFP batteries, which has led to confusion among consumers. “Safety is fundamental. Safety is the greatest luxury,” Li said, confirming that all BYD models, current and future will use LFP batteries.
Li pointed to China’s electric bus fleet as proof of LFP’s reliability. Over the past 15 years, LFP-powered buses have been operated safely without major fire incidents, even while carrying many passengers.
From January to September 2025, LFP battery installations reached 493.9 GWh, up 42.5% year-on-year. LFP now holds more than 80% of China’s EV battery market.
Li explained that LFP batteries last longer and are more stable than ternary lithium ones. LFP can handle over 3,500 charge cycles, while ternary lithium averages around 2,000. LFP also resists overheating better, with thermal runaway starting above 500°C, compared to below 300°C for ternary lithium.
Li acknowledged that some brands still use ternary lithium for longer range but urged all manufacturers to keep safety as their main standard. “We hope every player contributes positively and prioritizes safety,” he said.
