BYD Doubles Down on LFP, Puts Safety Over Specs

At the Japan Mobility Show 2025 (JMS 2025), BYD once again made its stance on battery technology crystal clear, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) remains the backbone of its electric vehicle strategy.

Li Yunfei, GM of Brand and Public Relations at BYD, said the company sees no reason to move away from LFP anytime soon, emphasising its proven safety and reliability. According to CarNewsChina, Li also urged the global industry to have greater confidence in China’s EV battery capabilities.

He added, China remains not only the fastest-growing EV market but also the most resource-rich, with deep technical know-how and a strong industrial ecosystem driving rapid innovation. 

While solid-state batteries continue to attract attention for their potential, Li believes today’s technologies, especially LFP, is already matured, well-supported by infrastructure, and capable of meeting consumer demands, even in colder climates.

Li also addressed lingering safety concerns surrounding EV batteries. He noted that reports of fires in non-LFP vehicles have unfairly shaped public perception, as most consumers don’t distinguish between LFP and ternary lithium (NMC) chemistries. 

“Safety is fundamental. Safety is the greatest luxury. Safety is a basic product goal,” he said, reaffirming BYD’s decision to make LFP standard across all its current and future models.

To underscore his point, Li cited China’s electrified public bus fleet, virtually all powered by LFP batteries. Over the past 15 years, these buses have safely carried millions of passengers with no major fire incidents, proving the chemistry’s durability and stability.

Recent data supports BYD’s confidence. Between Jan and Sept 2025, China recorded 493.9 GWh of installed LFP capacity, a 42.5% year-on-year jump giving the chemistry over 80% market share.

Li also pointed out LFP’s clear technical advantages: a longer lifespan exceeding 3,500 charge cycles (compared to around 2,000 for NMC) and superior heat resistance, with thermal runaway temperatures above 500°C.

Li also threw a veiled jab at brands still relying on NMC cells for range bragging rights, warning that such choices could compromise safety. “As an industry, we can’t afford to trade safety for marketing claims. Safety must remain the baseline,” he said.