UK Battery Firm Advances Manganese Cathodes for EV Market

Integrals Power's LMFP technology offers higher energy density, faster charging, and a domestic supply chain advantage.

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UK-based Integrals Power has introduced a new manganese-rich Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate (LMFP) cathode material that could provide EV manufacturers with an alternative to existing battery chemistries. Independent validation by QinetiQ suggests the technology offers improved energy density, faster charging, and a more sustainable supply chain.

Performance Validation Highlights Efficiency Gains

(Credit: Integrals Power)

QinetiQ's testing has demonstrated that prototype pouch cells using Integrals Power’s LMFP material retain 99% capacity under 30-minute (2C) discharge conditions and 95% capacity in 12-minute (5C) discharges. Even at high-power 6-minute (10C) discharge rates, cells maintained 60% capacity, highlighting significant improvements over conventional Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries.

These results address a key limitation of standard LFP cells, which often experience diminished capacity when subjected to high discharge rates—an issue relevant to highway-speed EV driving and industrial applications. The enhanced power retention could lead to more predictable real-world range for EVs operating under demanding conditions.

Competitive Positioning: Cost, Performance, and Supply Chain Benefits

Integrals Power’s 80% manganese cathode composition represents a notable advancement, as previous high-manganese formulations often suffered from reduced energy density. The material supports a higher voltage profile of 4.1V and up to 20% greater energy density than conventional LFP.

By avoiding Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) chemistries, the technology mitigates cost and supply chain challenges associated with nickel and cobalt sourcing. This balance of affordability, performance, and sustainability could allow automakers to extend vehicle range or reduce battery pack size, leading to lighter and potentially lower-cost EVs.

Strengthening the UK’s Battery Supply Chain

The LMFP material is manufactured at Integrals Power’s UK facility, which features a pilot plant with an annual production capacity of 20 tonnes. Unlike many competitors that rely on bulk precursors, the company utilizes high-purity raw materials, potentially improving quality control and performance consistency.

Samples are currently being evaluated by energy storage firms and automotive manufacturers, with Integrals Power positioning itself as a strategic supplier in the UK’s evolving battery ecosystem. The company is also developing a portfolio of 25 cathode active materials, broadening its role in next-generation battery technologies.

Industry Outlook: Manganese-Based Chemistries Gain Traction

With QinetiQ’s independent validation, Integrals Power’s technology gains credibility among industry stakeholders looking for cost-effective, high-performance alternatives to existing battery solutions. As EV manufacturers balance energy density, cost efficiency, and sustainability, manganese-rich battery chemistries could emerge as a viable middle ground in the competitive battery materials market.

Environment + Energy Leader