Battery technologies are continually evolving as engineers explore new ways to improve performance, power and life cycle. Lithium Titanate Oxide(LTO) cells are one of the latest battery technologies to capture the attention of the energy industry. So, what’s all the fuss about?
The science behind LTO batteries
LTO batteries are named after the materials used to create the anode. Instead of using carbon on the surface of the anode, LTO batteries utilise lithium titanatenanocrystals to increase the surface area. This allows electrons to flow in and out of the anode at a much faster rate than regular lithium ion batteries.
Below, we take a closer look at some of the key advantages of LT batteries:
Lightning-fast charge times
The unique cell chemistry and increased surface area of LTO batteries significantly accelerates charge times. Compared to traditional batteries, LTO cells can be charged 10 times faster.
Long cycle life
The cycle life of LTO batteries is impressive, with some cells continuing to perform for tens of thousands of cycles.
Temperature resistant
While some batteries lose performance in cold conditions, LTO cells continue to operate normally in temperatures as low as -50°C.
Safety
Unlike other batteries, LTO cells do not spontaneously ignite when internal temperatures climb too high. They also don’t release smoke, a common issue encountered with LFP batteries.
Disadvantages of LTO batteries
Low gravimetric energy density is one of the biggest barriers of uptake for LTO batteries. Also known as specific energy, this property describes how much energy a battery can store, relative to its mass.
LTO batteries in the EV sector
Recent advances in energy storage capacity have seen LTO batteries win over EV manufacturers. In Japan, Mitsubishi is installing LTO batteries in its i-MiEV electric hatchbacks. Honda is also using LTO technology to power the all-electric version of the best-selling Fit, as well as its EV-Neo electric scooter.
In India, researchers from Bengaluru have developed exciting new LTO batteries designed to power EVs operating in hot and humid climates. The batteries boast an impressive shelf life of 15 years and charge around nine times faster than regular lithium ion batteries.
“In India the lithium-ion batteries are used for EVs but they do not seem to be crafted for countries with hot climates like India,” explains Pankaj Sharma, co-founder of Indian nanotechnology company Log 9 Materials. “We started working on advance nano materials that could reduce the degradation of Li-ion cells during charge discharge cycles and by now have commercialised the LTO chemistry in the market,” adds Sharma.
The use of lithium titanate nanoparticles drastically improves cycle life and slashes charge times. It also allows the batteries to withstand temperatures of up to 230°C without a drop in performance.
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FAQs
The science behind LTO batteries
Instead of using carbon on the surface of the anode, LTO batteries utilise lithium titanate nanocrystals to increase the surface area. This allows electrons to flow in and out of the anode at a much faster rate than regular lithium ion batteries.
What are the advantages of LTO batteries? ›
As Lithium Titanate batteries are entirely free of carbon, they avoid thermal runaway or overheating which is a main cause of fires in traditional energy storage systems. Without the risk of fires or explosions, Lithium Titanate technology allows for safe, user-friendly and low-risk energy storage in any application.
What is the difference between LTO cell and LFP cell? ›
LTO has lower nominal voltage of 2.4 V compared to LFP(3.2V) and NMC(3.7V), which leads to a lower specific energy (about 30–110 Wh/kg) than conventional lithium-ion battery(For LFP it is 90-165 wh/kg and for NMC around 270 wh/kg) technologies.
What is the difference between lithium ion and LTO batteries? ›
The lithium-titanate or lithium-titanium-oxide (LTO) battery is a type of rechargeable battery which has the advantage of being faster to charge than other lithium-ion batteries but the disadvantage is a much lower energy density.
Where are LTO batteries used? ›
Applications: LTO batteries are commonly used in applications where their fast-charging capability and long cycle life are critical. This includes electric buses, fast-charging stations, renewable energy storage systems, and some industrial equipment.
What is the composition of LTO battery? ›
Lithium Titanate (LTO): Lithium Titanate ((Li2TiO3)/(Li4Ti5O12)) battery is a modified Li Ion battery in which the graphite in the anode is replaced by Li-titanate which forms a spinel structure. LTO is the safest Anode Material for Lithium Ion Cells.
Is there a difference in batteries? ›
Different Battery Sizes
Generally, the larger the battery is, the more capacity it has for energy storage. So even though a big and small battery are both rated at 1.5V, the big battery stores more energy and provides a longer battery life.
What is the voltage of a LTO battery? ›
Lithium Titanate Battery
Another LTO battery, of which the voltage is 1.5V, it uses LTO material as cathode, metallic lithium or lithium alloy material as anode. LTO battery's normal working voltage is 2.4V, maximum 3.0V, and working current is more than 2C.
Which type of battery is more powerful? ›
Lithium, an exceptionally light metal, gives lithium batteries the highest energy density of any battery cell.
What is the full form of LTO battery? ›
What is a LTO (Lithium Titanate Battery) Battery? Lithium titanate battery is a lithium titanate used as a negative electrode material for lithium ion batteries.
LFP
| LTO | LFP |
|---|
| C-Rate | 10C | 20C |
| Cycle Life | 3000 | 2500 |
| Thermal Runaway | 280 °C | 270 °C |
| Cost | $1,000 per kWh | $400 per kWh |
1 more rowEnergy Density: LTO are less energy dense, which means that they store less energy per unit of mass or volume. LiFePO4 being more dense allows them to store more energy in a smaller space.
Who makes LTO batteries? ›
Lithium Titanate Oxide (LTO) Battery Companies - Toshiba Corporation (Japan) and Microvast Holdings, Inc. (US) are the Key Players. The global lithium titanate oxide (LTO) battery market size is expected to grow from USD 4.5 billion in 2023 to USD 7.3 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2023 to 2028.
Which battery is more powerful than lithium-ion? ›
Sodium-ion battery charges faster than lithium-ion variants and have a three times higher lifecycle. However, sodium-ion batteries lack of a well-established raw material supply chain and the technology is still in early stages of development.
What battery is better than lithium? ›
Sodium-ion batteries are considered a potential solution to the scarcity and cost associated with lithium resources.
What is the lifespan of a LTO battery? ›
Extended Cycle Life: LTO batteries boast an impressive lifespan, capable of being fully charged and discharged for over 30,000 cycles. This durability extends their usability as energy storage batteries for an additional 20 years after a decade of use as power batteries, minimizing the need for frequent replacements.
Is LTO safer than LiFePO4? ›
Safety: LTO are more thermally and chemically stable than LiFePO4. This means they are less prone to exothermic reaction or electrolyte leakage when overloaded, overheated, or physically damaged.
Are lithium titanate batteries good? ›
● Excellent fast charging performance
Compared with carbon anode materials, lithium titanate has a higher lithium ion diffusion coefficient and can be charged and discharged at a high rate. While greatly shortening the charging time, it has less impact on the cycle life and has stronger thermal stability.
What temperature is a LTO battery charged at? ›
Good resistance to wide temperature
Generally, electric vehicles will have problems when charging and discharging at minus 10 ℃. lithium ion titanate battery has good wide temperature resistance and strong durability. It can be charged and discharged normally at minus 50 ℃ to minus 60 ℃.
