Battery chemistry
What is actually
in the pack
Seven chemistries are on the road today and only one of them changes how you should charge the car.
At a glance
- Nickel metal hydride is in almost every older hybrid and lasts far longer than its reputation, as long as it stays cool
- NCA and NMC are the nickel chemistries in most electric cars, and both dislike sitting full and hot
- Iron phosphate inverts the usual advice and wants a periodic full charge
- Sodium ion is the genuinely new one, aimed at cold climates, and reaching customers in 2026
Prius generations one to four, Honda Insight and Civic Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Lexus RX400h, Camry Hybrid
Tesla Model S and X on 18650 cells, Model 3 and Y on 2170 cells, supplied by Panasonic
GM Ultium, Volkswagen MEB, Hyundai and Kia E-GMP, BMW, Ford Extended Range
Rivian Commercial Van and dual motor Standard R1S and R1T, Ford Mustang Mach-E Standard Range, the 2027 Chevro
early Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV packs, usually blended with NMC
Japanese market Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Minicab MiEV, Honda Fit EV, Proterra buses. No passenger car sold new to
CATL's Naxtra cell, going into a Changan passenger vehicle for a mid 2026 launch
Buying a Used EV or Hybrid?
Get the battery measured before you pay for it. A PPI Auto inspector tests the pack on the car you are looking at and sends you the numbers. Starting at $225.