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Does Chevy Bolt use LFP batteries?

Yes, the Chevy Bolt electric vehicle does use lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries. LFP batteries are a type of lithium-ion battery chemistry that offers several advantages over the more commonly used nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) batteries found in many other electric vehicles.


What are LFP Batteries?


Lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries are a type of lithium-ion battery that use iron phosphate as the cathode material instead of the more common nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) or nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) cathodes. LFP batteries are known for their safety, long cycle life, and lower cost compared to other lithium-ion chemistries.


Why Did Chevy Choose LFP Batteries for the Bolt?


Chevy likely chose to use LFP batteries in the Bolt for a few key reasons:



  • Safety: LFP batteries are inherently safer than NCM or NCA batteries, as they are less prone to thermal runaway and fire hazards.

  • Cost: LFP batteries are generally less expensive to manufacture than NCM or NCA batteries, helping to keep the Bolt's price competitive.

  • Longevity: LFP batteries have a longer cycle life than other lithium-ion chemistries, meaning the Bolt's battery pack should retain its capacity for longer.


These factors make LFP batteries a good fit for a mass-market electric vehicle like the Chevy Bolt, where cost, safety, and reliability are important considerations.


Potential Drawbacks of LFP Batteries


While LFP batteries have several advantages, they also have some potential drawbacks:



  • Lower Energy Density: LFP batteries have a lower energy density than NCM or NCA batteries, meaning they can store less energy per unit of volume or weight. This can result in a shorter driving range for electric vehicles using LFP batteries.

  • Lower Voltage: LFP batteries have a lower nominal voltage of around 3.3V per cell, compared to around 3.6V for NCM or NCA cells. This means more cells are required to achieve the same pack voltage, adding complexity and cost.


However, for a vehicle like the Chevy Bolt, the advantages of LFP batteries likely outweigh these drawbacks, making them a suitable choice for this particular electric car.

How much does it cost to replace the battery in a Bolt EV?


While some of the original batteries for the Bolt EV were 60 kWh packs, the newer generation is a 66-kWh pack (which most Bolt EVs and all Bolt EUVs will have after the 2021 recall). Based on average EV battery pricing at $153 per kWh, a fast estimate for a Bolt's replacement battery would come in at about $10,100.



Does Chevy Bolt use an Ultium battery?


The next-generation Chevy Bolt EV will not be a clean-sheet redesign, but it will use the new Ultium platform (and NACS fast charging). What's more, it will be North America's first Ultium-based model to use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which GM will source from an unnamed supplier.



Which EV cars have LFP batteries?


EVs with LFP batteries

VehicleShapeBattery
Ford Mustang Mach-E SR RWD (2024+)SUV72.6 kWh
Geely EX5SUV60.4 kWh
GWM OraHatch45.4 kWh
GWM Ora 07 (base)Sedan67 kWh



Is Tesla using LFP batteries?


Tesla's Adoption of LFP Batteries:
In mid-2020, the company started equipping the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (SR+) manufactured in China with LFP batteries. This decision was driven by factors such as cost reduction and the desire to cater to the local market's preferences.



Does Chevy Bolt use an LFP battery?


GM's leader said the new Bolt EV will provide “an even better driving, charging, and ownership experience.” One of the biggest will be the introduction of LFP batteries.” As the first Ultium EV to use LFP batteries, the new model is expected to drastically lower costs.



Why is Chevy discontinuing the Bolt?


Regrettably, it has been officially announced that the Chevy Bolt will be discontinued. So, why is the Chevy Bolt being discontinued? Despite its success in sales, General Motors has made the strategic decision to repurpose the factory that produces the Bolt to accommodate the production of electric trucks.



Which battery is better, LFP or NMC?


If you're looking for high performance, especially in applications like EVs, NMC is likely your best bet. But if you prioritize longevity and safety—especially for DIY projects or energy storage—LFP batteries are the clear choice.



What type of battery does Chevy Bolt use?


lithium-ion



What is the battery problem with the Chevy Bolt EV?


The incorrectly-installed software could fail to detect defective battery modules that require replacement, increasing the risk of a potential fire, according to GM. Just 88 different 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV hatchbacks and 19 different Chevrolet Bolt EUV models have this issue.



Does GM use LFP batteries?


General Motors (GM) plans to reduce the price of electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States by expanding the range of battery chemistries it uses to include lithium-iron phosphate (LFP), its vice president of batteries, Kurt Kelty, told an annual investor's panel on Tuesday October 8.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.