At the 2025 Tokyo Motor Show, BYD Co. reaffirmed its commitment to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology, reinforcing its position as a dominant force in the global electric vehicle (EV) sector. Speaking to industry media, Li Yunfei, General Manager of Brand and Public Relations at BYD, stressed the importance of consumer confidence in Chinese EV battery technology, emphasizing safety, durability, and the practical advantages of LFP chemistry over alternative battery systems, including ternary lithium and emerging solid-state technologies. “Safety is fundamental. Safety is the greatest luxury. Safety is a basic product goal,” Li said during a media briefing on the sidelines of the Tokyo Motor Show, underscoring BYD’s long-standing focus on practical performance over experimental hype.
His comments came amid growing international scrutiny of EV battery safety, fueled by sporadic reports of fires and recalls involving certain non-LFP vehicles. LFP: The Backbone of China’s EV Revolution Li highlighted that China has established itself as the fastest-growing and most resource-rich market for EV batteries, supported by an extensive research ecosystem and a robust industrial base. The country accounts for the majority of global EV battery production, with Chinese companies such as CATL, BYD, and CALB investing heavily in both production scale and battery R&D. While solid-state batteries have been widely touted for their theoretical advantages — including higher energy density and potential safety improvements — Li cautioned that these technologies are still in early stages of commercialization. He argued that existing LFP systems are well-established, supported by extensive charging infrastructure, and increasingly capable of meeting consumer demands, particularly in areas such as cold-weather performance, charging speed, and lifecycle durability. “Current battery technologies are not experimental; they are proven and practical.
They have been tested on millions of vehicles and thousands of fleets,” Li said. “The industry should recognize that LFP technology continues to provide one of the safest and most reliable solutions for EV adoption worldwide.” Safety and Reliability: Lessons from Public Transport Addressing widespread concerns about battery safety, Li noted that online reports of fires in some non-LFP vehicles have skewed consumer perceptions, creating the impression that EV batteries in general are unsafe. He explained that most consumers do not differentiate between LFP and ternary lithium batteries when evaluating risks. Li pointed to China’s public bus electrification program as a critical benchmark for safety and reliability. Over the past 15 years, the country has converted thousands of buses to electric operation, the majority of which rely on LFP batteries. These buses, which regularly carry dozens of passengers per trip, have experienced minimal incidents of serious fires, highlighting the robustness of LFP chemistry under real-world operating conditions. “Safety considerations guided the industry’s choice of LFP batteries for buses. That precedent is directly applicable to private vehicles. Reliability and safety are not optional — they are fundamental,” Li emphasized. Market Data Supports LFP Dominance Data from the first nine months of 2025 underscores the growing dominance of LFP technology in China. According to Li, 493.9 GWh of LFP batteries were installed in EVs between January and September, representing a 42.5% year-on-year increase.
These figures translate to over 80% market share in the Chinese battery sector, reinforcing LFP’s position as the technology of choice for mass-market EVs. The surge in LFP adoption is also driven by cost advantages and supply chain resilience. LFP cells rely on abundant raw materials such as iron and phosphate, which are widely available domestically, reducing dependence on cobalt and nickel. This accessibility allows Chinese automakers to scale production rapidly while keeping costs competitive, a critical factor in a market where EV price sensitivity remains high. Technical Advantages of LFP Batteries Li detailed several technical advantages of LFP batteries over ternary lithium alternatives. Most notably, LFP cells demonstrate superior lifecycle longevity, typically maintaining capacity beyond 3,500 charge-discharge cycles, compared to roughly 2,000 cycles for ternary lithium batteries. This extended lifespan translates to lower total cost of ownership and reduced battery replacement needs for consumers. Additionally, LFP batteries exhibit higher thermal stability, with thermal runaway temperatures exceeding 500°C, compared to under 300°C for ternary lithium. In practical terms, this means LFP batteries are significantly less prone to catching fire or experiencing catastrophic failure under abuse conditions, overcharging, or high-temperature operation.
“These characteristics make LFP particularly suitable for both fleet and individual vehicles. It’s a chemistry that performs reliably under stress, without requiring complex battery management to prevent accidents,” Li noted. Strategic Outlook Amid Solid-State Hype Li acknowledged that some automakers may continue to explore ternary lithium or solid-state batteries to achieve higher energy densities and longer single-charge ranges. However, he urged the industry to prioritize safety as a baseline standard. “As a key participant in this sector, we hope all players contribute positively and prioritize safety as the baseline. Performance and range are important, but they cannot come at the cost of consumer safety,” Li said. BYD itself has largely avoided pursuing solid-state batteries for passenger vehicles, focusing instead on incremental improvements in LFP chemistry and energy density through innovations such as blade battery design. Blade batteries, introduced in 2020, improve cell-to-pack efficiency and allow LFP to achieve ranges previously thought feasible only for ternary lithium systems. “LFP technology continues to evolve. With innovations like the blade battery, we are able to offer competitive ranges while maintaining the inherent safety and cost advantages of LFP chemistry,” Li said. Global Implications for EV Battery Supply Chains BYD’s reaffirmation of LFP also has broader implications for the global EV supply chain. With the EU and the U.S. imposing stricter sourcing and environmental standards, automakers worldwide are evaluating battery chemistries that balance cost, safety, and regulatory compliance.
LFP batteries, with their stable chemistry, absence of cobalt, and long cycle life, increasingly appeal to manufacturers seeking both cost efficiency and regulatory resilience. “China is not only producing LFP batteries at scale, but it is also creating a framework for industrialization and standardization that can be replicated globally. This is a competitive advantage,” Li said. The company’s emphasis on safety and reliability positions BYD as a credible alternative to global battery suppliers that focus on high-energy-density chemistries, particularly in emerging markets where infrastructure limitations make battery robustness and thermal stability critical. BYD’s statements at the Tokyo Motor Show underscore a strategic pivot toward consumer confidence and practical performance. By prioritizing safety, durability, and real-world reliability, the company positions LFP batteries not merely as an economical alternative but as a superior baseline standard for the next generation of EVs.