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Battery Guide

NMC vs LFP: Which Battery Chemistry is in Your Indian EV?

The single character at position 8 of your BPAN tells you the battery chemistry — and it matters more than almost any other spec for safety, longevity, and resale value in India.

Head-to-Head Comparison

For Indian conditions: 40°C+ summers, city stop-start traffic, frequent fast charging

PropertyNMC
BPAN Code: F or N		LFP
BPAN Code: E
Energy DensityHigh (200–300 Wh/kg)
More range per kg		Moderate (120–160 Wh/kg)
Heavier for same range
Thermal Safety (India)⚠️ Lower
Thermal runaway risk in 40°C+ heat		✅ Higher
Stable up to 60°C, no thermal runaway
Cycle Life1,000–2,000 cycles
~3–5 years daily use		3,000–5,000 cycles
~8–12 years daily use
Fast Charge ToleranceModerate
Degrades faster with frequent DC fast charging		Better
Less degradation from fast charging
CostHigher
Cobalt content increases price		Lower
No cobalt, simpler chemistry
Fire ExtinguisherClass C required
Electrical fire — ABC dry powder or CO₂		Class C required
Same — but risk is far lower
Indian EV ModelsTata Nexon EV (early), Ola S1 Pro Gen 1, MG ZS EVTata Nexon EV (post 2023), Tata Tiago EV, Ather 450X, BYD models

What Should You Do Based on Your Chemistry?

If You Have NMC (Code F or N)
  • Keep an ABC dry powder or CO₂ extinguisher in your vehicle
  • Avoid charging in direct sunlight or enclosed hot spaces above 35°C
  • Never leave battery at 100% charge for extended periods
  • If the pack is over 4 years old, get a SOH test at a service centre
  • Check our full fire safety guide
If You Have LFP (Code E)
  • Excellent choice for Indian conditions — more thermally stable
  • You can charge to 100% regularly without significant degradation
  • Still keep a fire extinguisher accessible — LFP fires are rare but possible
  • Battery likely to exceed 8–10 years with normal use
  • Resale value may be higher due to longer expected lifespan

Don't Know Your Chemistry?

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