OMI has introduced a lithium iron phosphate–based (LnFP) active cathode material designed to support ultra-fast charging in electric vehicle (EV) and high-power battery applications. The company reports validated charge capability at rates up to 20C, which corresponds to a theoretical full charge in approximately three minutes under appropriate system conditions.
What makes LnFP unique is its engineered particle architecture. Instead of fragile, irregular structures, OMI has engineered high-strength particles that enable faster electron exchange and stable ultra-fast charging, without sacrificing cycle life.
The LnFP material is based on an engineered particle architecture intended to improve structural strength and electron transport during high-rate charging.
According to OMI, the cathode particles are designed to maintain mechanical integrity and electrochemical stability under aggressive charge conditions, supporting rapid lithium-ion transport without significant degradation in cycle life.
OMI states that the material has been validated beyond laboratory modeling and demonstrates stable performance under repeated high-rate charging. Batteries utilizing the LnFP cathode have reportedly maintained durability across extended cycling while operating at elevated charge rates.
A 20C-capable cathode could significantly affect EV charging system design, reducing dwell times at high-power charging stations and potentially altering requirements for pack-level thermal management, current handling, and power electronics integration. Ultra-fast charging performance remains constrained by full system architecture, including cell design, thermal control, and charging infrastructure.
The LnFP chemistry eliminates cobalt from the cathode formulation, addressing material cost and supply chain concerns commonly associated with nickel- and cobalt-based chemistries. The iron-based composition may also offer advantages in thermal stability compared with higher-nickel alternatives.
OMI plans to begin small-scale production of LnFP in the US by 2027. The company is pursuing partnerships to support scale-up and integration into demonstration vehicle platforms.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News