Understanding batteries in 2026

Communication about batteries and new technologies too often boils down to a simplistic confrontation between different chemistries, systematically seeking to identify a “winner” and a “loser”. This approach is simplistic, even erroneous. In reality, there is no such thing as a good or bad technology in absolute terms; there are only solutions adapted to specific needs and uses.

To choose the right technology, five fundamental criteria must be analyzed:

• Energy density
• Service life
• The cost
• Performance
• Conditions of use

To illustrate the importance of this criterion, let’s compare two extremes. An LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery has a density of 100 to 160 Wh/kg, compared with around 260 Wh/kg for an NCA (Nickel Cobalt Aluminium) chemistry battery.

The impact is direct: for the same capacity, the NCA battery is lighter and more compact. This is why a carmaker like Tesla uses both technologies: LFP for its standard models (everyday use) and NCA (or now NMC, with similar performance) for its sportier “Performance” models. The choice does not depend on intrinsic superiority, but on the range and power required by the target market segment.

This is often the end-user’s main concern. The gap between technologies here is abysmal: an LCO cell (often used in consumer electronics) can run out in 2 years, while an LTO (Lithium Titanate) cell can last between 20 and 30 years.

While the general public uses the generic term “lithium”, manufacturers have to make a choice. For a product with a short life cycle, a short-life battery is sufficient; for a vehicle or storage infrastructure, on the other hand, durability becomes the primary criterion.

As raw material prices are highly volatile, it is difficult to set definitive prices. However, the trends are clear: today, LFP cells offer a more competitive market price than NMC cells. In the electric mobility sector, where on-board power is massive, this cost differential is a decisive factor in making vehicles accessible.

The most common mistake made by the media is to announce a “revolution” with every new chemical product. A battery is only as good as its mission.

Warning: it is crucial to note that you cannot arbitrarily substitute one chemistry for another. Such a change could degrade the life of the new battery, reduce overall performance or, more seriously, damage theequipment using it.

Finally, the thermal context is decisive. Some chemistries have difficulty with extreme temperatures (negative or very high). Beyond chemistry, the physical shape of the cells(cylindrical or prismatic) also plays a role in vibration resistance. For the assembler, the complexity of integration varies according to these parameters, making “use” as much a technical criterion as a logistical one.