NMC vs LFP – Which Lithium-Ion Battery is Better for Your Forklift?

If you’re considering a forklift for your workplace, or you’re looking to upgrade your existing equipment, then you’ve likely already discussed the pros and cons of the type of forklift you need. After you have decided on the type of equipment you need, it is time to have a closer look at the power source. With the growing trend towards Li-Ion Batteries, we want to give you some insight into the different kinds of technology offered by different suppliers.

There are two main types of lithium-ion battery used to power electric forklifts; the NMC battery and the LFP battery. Confused about which is the right fit for you, and what the differences are between the two power sources? Read on to find out more about what each battery means when it comes to your choice of forklift, and whether they’re the right fit for you:

What is an LFP battery – Lithium-Ion?

The more traditional and well-known form of lithium-ion battery, the lithium-ion phosphate battery is on the market since the late 90s and well-integrated with many electric-powered tools, machinery and vehicles. As such, the battery is proven to be effective as a power source for forklifts and other machinery – as well as being a viable alternative to petrol or diesel-powered machines in terms of simple and quick charging, long lifetime and high power output.

Known for its consistency, reliability and longer lifespan, LFP batteries changed the way we use electricity in many workplaces and continues to be effective to this day. This is in part thanks to their universal design, lower cost and practical development that makes them usable for countless different situations and machines.

The advantages of LFP batteries

As the most commonly used and well-tested batteries on the market, there are many advantages to choosing an LFP-powered machine or vehicle. Especially when using larger equipment like an electric ride on pallet truck or electric forklift trucks, the LFP battery plays out its strength.

Especially at larger trucks, the lower density in energy of LFP batteries compared to other equipment does not play a major role, while the advantages can be utilised. LFP is a very stable and robust cell type with a very limited possibility of thermal runaway. Even when punctures through the cell, the LFP battery does not catch fire and burn. It would only produce smoke!

The second advantage comes with the cost of the battery. While other technologies are still in the development phase, LFP is well tested and produced in large quantities. Due to the high production volume, the cost of the battery is lower while offering you all the advantages of Li-Ion technology like fast charging, high energy output and maintenance free life. It makes the battery the perfect choice for our larger equipment like the L1 Lithium Ion forklift and other heavy duty equipment.

As the industry standard and well-tested option, LFP batteries are both functional and reliable – in part thanks to the rigorous testing and design changes they have undergone over their years in use, starting with the far more substantial and less efficient models of the 90s to the sleek, simple versions available today.

The disadvantages of LFP batteries

The main disadvantage of LFP batteries is the lower amount of power that can be stored within a cell. for this reason, LFP batteries cannot be used in equipment that needs a maximum of power stored in limited space and at minimum weight. One example of this application would be the automotive industry, where a high amount of power must be stored in a very limited space and weight plays a key role. Another example would be very small electric warehouse trucks, like the EPT 12EZ, the lightest and smallest electric pallet truck in the world and our new entry-level pallet truck, the EPL 151. Those types of machines need a high density of power in limited space and LFP would not be a perfect choice.

What is an NMC battery?

Also known as lithium-manganese-cobalt-oxide batteries, an NMC battery is a newer type of power source in comparison to other common types of lithium-ion batteries. Originating in 2009, the NMC battery has been growing in popularity for use in power tools and other small machines that utilise battery power. This is thanks, in part, to its energy density and overall capacity.

For car manufacturers and other machinery, NMC batteries are becoming increasingly commonplace thanks to these benefits, offering the batteries to an increasing portion of the market. Depending on the application it is also available in warehouse trucks.

The advantages of NMC batteries

There are many reasons why manufacturers may consider changing to NMC batteries for their products. These advantages are also pluses for the end user of the product, whether it’s a power tool or small warehouse equipment.

The primary advantage of NMC batteries is their high energy density, allowing machines to be more compact and light. Especially when developing light and small pallet trucks for usage in transport logistics, NMC plays out its strength for the material handling industry. At EP Equipment we use NMC technology for the EPT 12EZ as well as our new EPL 151 to ensure long runtime at a compact size and low selfweight.

As a newer form of battery, NMC batteries are also consistently evolving and developing to be smaller and more effective, something older forms of lithium-ion batteries have already achieved. With NMC batteries still in active development, what we may see from them in ten years could be entirely different to the standards today – though that can make current products utilising NMC batteries soon outdated, depending on the way this type of battery develops.

The disadvantages of NMC batteries

While NMC has its advantages in the density of power it can store, this also comes with disadvantages. While NMC is a good choice for small material handling equipment like pallet trucks or stackers where space is limited, it is not the optimal choice when it comes to big batteries where space is not the main issue!  When punctured, the NMC cell is more likely to get into an unstable state. Anyhow, this risk is very limited in the material handling industry, as the batteries are much more protected by steel comaprtments and protection around the battery compared to other products like hoover boards or cars.

Another issue with NMC batteries is the costly nature of the batteries. While they do have a higher energy density, the cost of machines utilising these batteries is increased as a result, making them a less viable choice in many situations.

Depending on the application, the NMC cell is not a necessary choice as the energy density and lower weight per kWh is not needed. In this case other technology is the better choice.

NMC vs. LFP – which is the better choice for the material handling industry?

Now you’ve got a better understanding of what each type of battery does, as well as its advantages and disadvantages of the different cell types. As you can see from the overview, both technologies come with advantages and disadvantages.

LFP in a nutshell

LFP technology plays out it strength at bigger equipment where density of power is not the key to run around the clock. The LFP battery is the most common and readily available source of power out there. It has been used for electric forklifts for years and  have proven themselves to be a reliable, effective way to power machinery. This is especially true for forklifts, ride on pallet trucks and higher capacity pallet trucks like the WPL 201.

Because of its cost-effectiveness allowing you to create a ‘power bank’ that’s ready to roll as and when your forklift needs charging, LFP battery-powered forklifts are also practical for shift work, allowing you to keep going without the need for long pauses to stop and charge. This makes the LFP battery the workhorse of the power world, consistently getting the work done on time.

NMC in a nutshell

For those considering NMC batteries, the technology is undoubtedly shaping up to be impressive; offering an alternative power source for anything from solar panels to high-powered vehicles. In the material handling world, EP Equipment uses NMC technology in its smallest equipment to reduce the weight and size of the trucks. One of the most proven trucks in the field is the EPT 12EZ that’s powered by NMC cells and EP Equipments BMS system.

The higher cost per cell for NMC technology does play a large role in its slower introduction to the forklift truck market. Especially with large batteries like the 80V 540Ah Lithium-Ion battery in the L1 four-wheel forklift truck the LFP technology gives a better price-performance ratio compared to the more expensive NMC cell.

EP shaping the future of Li-Ion technology

At EP we will continuously develop new machines that fit perfectly to the application they are used in. Depending on this application EP chooses the best fitting technology for each product to ensure the best possible performance, safety and reliability as well as optimal TCO and purchase price for the end-user. As the largest manufacturer of Li-Ion powered pallet trucks, EP Equipment offers a wide range of trucks, based on both NMC and LFP technology and is constantly developing new trucks based on the latest technology.

Still some questions?

Still unsure about Li-Ion technology and what product fits best to your need? At EP, we have a full range of LFP-powered forklifts designed to meet your exact specifications, needs and requirements. Li-Ion technology is the latest trend in material handling and EP Equipment is the forerunner for this technology with a long history of producing Li-Ion forklift trucks and warehouse equipment.

See the full range of EP products, including electric forklifts, order pickers and stackers online today, or contact us to find out more about what we can do to help you find the forklift that’s right for you. Got questions about the LFP and NMC batteries we use? We’d be happy to help. Just get in contact with EP Equipment today to find out more about why we think Li-Ion is the right choice for you.