Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are cheaper and safer to produce
VinFast has announced that it is partnering up with Gotion High-Tech to develop and produce lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. This latest move is part of the Vietnamese automaker’s effort to establish a clean energy ecosystem and localise parts supply as it pursues electrification.
Gotion, which is headquartered in China but has R&D centres in 8 locations around the world including the Silicon Valley, Singapore, Japan, Germany and India, manufactures LFP batteries for electric vehicles, energy storage systems and other applications.
LFP batteries are, supposedly, all the rage these days in the EV sector as they can be produced without using cobalt and manganese, which are not only expensive and rare, but also toxic. By doing away with materials such as those mentioned, EV manufacturers will be able to bring down the production cost, thus making their products more competitive price-wise.
As for VinFast, this tie-up will help accelerate its EV ambitions, which include plans to build production facilities for battery and charging equipment in the US and Europe. Early this year, the company announced that it has three self-driving fully-electric SUVs in the pipeline, all of which utilise NVIDIA‘s Orin-X chip.
Additionally, the company is also looking into solid-state battery and extreme fast charging, among other things, through collaborations with other industry players.
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According to their agreement, VinFast and Gotion High-Tech will jointly carry out the R&D and production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
LFP battery is currently the most mainstream battery technology in the global new energy vehicle market, with unique advantages of high safety and long life. It is worth noting that LFP batteries can be produced without using expensive and rare materials such as cobalt and manganese that are harmful to workers and the environment. In addition, the price of LFP batteries is competitive, which reduces the production cost of electric vehicles, especially small and medium-sized vehicles.
Gotion High-Tech is a leading manufacturer of LFP batteries for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and other applications in China and across the world. The company has also had many years of experience in battery research & development and boasts thousands of patents and licensed technological applications. So far, Gotion High-Tech has founded 8 R&D centers in China, the US, Japan, Singapore, Germany and India.
Chairman of Gotion High-Tech Mr. Zhen Li shared: “Gotion High-Tech will definitely use its cutting-edge technology and rich experience in battery manufacturing to fully support VinFast’s electrification strategy. VinFast electric models equipped with Gotion batteries must also be popular among consumers. Let us work together to advance the development of the new energy industry and accelerate the realization of the goal of “carbon neutrality” between China and Vietnam and the world.”
For VinFast, exploring the local production of LFP batteries in Vietnam is part of the car maker’s efforts to establish a clean energy ecosystem and localize parts supply.
“The collaboration with such a prestigious battery manufacturer in the world as Gotion is among VinFast’s essential action plans for developing its smart electric cars and complete supply chains. Our ultimate objective is to establish a clean energy ecosystem, contributing to cutting carbon emissions in Vietnam as well as in VinFast’s global markets.” – said Thai Thanh Hai, Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup.
To reinforce its electrification strategy, VinFast has been fostering collaborations with a number of prestigious partners around the world, including those from Israel, Taiwan, the US, etc., These ties are aimed at boosting R&D and application of the most advanced battery technologies, such as solid-state battery, extreme fast charging, new materials, new battery designs, etc. These technologies are expected to allow new batteries with high energy density, longer ranges for EVs, superior safety, longer lifespan, cost optimization and eco-friendliness.
In addition, Vingroup has recently established VinES Energy Solutions JSC focusing on research and manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles. VinFast also has plans to build production facilities for battery and charging equipment in the US and Europe, as part of its global expansion strategy.
By taking drastic actions, VinFast is gradually realizing the goal of becoming a leading global electric vehicle company and affirms its strong commitments to speeding up the trend of green transportation around the world.
