List of Electric Vehicles in Indonesia Using Nickel-Free LFP Batteries

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Lithium ferro-phosphate (LFP) batteries used in electric vehicles (EV) have become a hot topic in Indonesia after vice presidential candidate Gibran Rakabuming Raka mentioned them during the fourth election debate on January 21. 

Gibran, the eldest son of President Joko Widodo or Jokowi, accused rival Muhaimin Iskandar of being anti-nickel as the latter's campaign team co-captain Thomas Lembong often claimed that nickel was losing popularity to LFP in the global EV market.

LFP batteries are a type of battery produced by Chinese battery companies, such as CATL and BYD. This alternative battery type is reportedly 20 percent cheaper than typical lithium-ion batteries made with nickel. However, the LFP batteries have a shorter driving range compared to nickel-based batteries.

According to various sources, LFP batteries are already being used by several automakers in Indonesia. There are at least three brands of EVs sold in the archipelago that use LFP batteries: Wuling, Chery, and BYD.

1. Wuling

Wuling supplies its Air EV and Binguo EV with IP67 LFP batteries. The LFP battery in Air EV has a capacity of 26.7 kWh (Long Range) and 17.3 kWh (Standard Range and Lite), while the battery in the BinguoEV has a capacity of 31.9 kWh (333 km version) and 37.9 kWh (410 km version).

Based on the safety tests, the battery is said to be able to withstand heavy impacts while driving and would not be damaged if the vehicle is hit with a maximum acceleration of 28G. The battery is also claimed to be waterproof and resistant to high temperatures, meaning that the EV is safe during floods and hot weather.

2. Chery 

The Chery Omoda E5 is equipped with an LFP battery with a capacity of 61 kWh. Chery claims that this power could produce a distance of up to 430 km, and could accelerate from 0-100 km per hour in 7.6 seconds.

3. BYD

BYD has just penetrated the Indonesian automotive market. Its three cars, Seal, Dolphin, and Atto 3, are equipped with LFP batteries, called Blade Battery, which could last up to 1.2 million kilometers. 

BYD's electric cars are equipped with an 82.5 kWh battery that can go up to 570 kilometers, relying on a single-driving dynamo of 230 kW or 313 hp.

“The use of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) as the cathode material offers a much higher level of safety than conventional lithium-ion batteries. LFP naturally has excellent thermal stability and is substantially cobalt-free. LFP is also a very durable material,” said BYD on its official website.

ERWAN HARTAWAN

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