Find the perfect power match for your commercial electric vehicles

Just like finding your perfect match, choosing the right battery chemistry for your fleet is heavily influenced by compatibility. And what better time than Valentine's Day to explore two battery types that could spark a lasting connection?

Meet your electric suitors: NMC and LFP

Nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP). Both battery chemistries are eligible solutions for powering commercial vehicles with zero emissions, but how do you know which one will be your fleet’s ideal match?

NMC: The energetic charmer

NMC batteries deliver unmatched efficiency and reliability, making them the go-to choice for demanding applications. Their exceptional energy density allows vehicles to travel longer distances without the burden of added weight—an essential advantage for long-haul trucks and cross-country routes. By packing substantial energy into a lightweight design, NMC batteries enable efficient performance without compromise.

This lighter weight is achieved through the high energy density of NMC technology, which stores more energy in a smaller, more compact package. The optimized composition of nickel, manganese and cobalt maximizes energy storage with less material, resulting in a superior energy-to-weight ratio — ideal for applications where minimizing weight is critical.

With quick energy delivery and consistent high performance, NMC batteries like the Accelera™ BP97E are dependable for applications requiring frequent bursts of power or sustained energy output over long durations. Some examples include:

• Long-haul freight trucks: Ideal for their ability to travel extended distances with minimal charging stops, thanks to NMC’s high energy density and lightweight design.
• Regional delivery trucks: Perfect for daily delivery routes that require consistent power for stop-and-go driving, benefiting from NMC’s quick energy delivery.
• Refrigerated trucks: These vehicles need to power both propulsion and cooling systems, making NMC batteries a great fit for sustained energy output.
• Electric buses: School, public transit buses and long-distance coaches can use NMC batteries for efficient, reliable and lightweight energy storage, maximizing range and passenger capacity.
• Utility + service vehicles: Vehicles like tow trucks, mobile repair units or utility maintenance vehicles that need reliable, long-lasting power for driving and operating auxiliary equipment.
• Heavy-duty construction vehicles: Electric dump trucks, loaders and excavators operating in mining or urban areas can use NMC technology to prolong their performance in demanding conditions.
• Specialized fleet vehicles: Vehicles such as garbage trucks, street sweepers, or airport ground service equipment benefit from NMC’s balance of energy density and durability for long-duty cycles.

LFP: The steady partner

LFP batteries deliver long-lasting reliability and eco-friendly performance, making them an excellent choice for commercial vehicles. Their superior thermal stability and lower operating temperatures ensure dependable performance, even in demanding conditions.

LFP batteries, like the Accelera™ Advanced LFP excel in applications needing to withstand frequent charge-discharge cycles. These cycles refer to the repeated process of charging the battery (storing energy) and discharging it (using the stored energy to power the vehicle). An example of this would be how garbage trucks often operate on stop-and-go routes with frequent stops to compact waste or lift bins, draining (discharging) and replenishing (charging) the battery regularly, either through regenerative braking or scheduled charging. LFP batteries endure these cycles with minimal degradation, ensuring long-term reliability and efficiency in demanding, repetitive-use applications.

With exceptional durability and an extended cycle life, LFP batteries offer long-term value for fleets focused on cost-efficiency and sustainability. Their ability to maintain consistent performance over time, thermal stability, and efficient energy delivery make LFP batteries a reliable and sustainable option for modern, clean electric powertrain applications. 

• City + school buses: Ideal for stop-and-go driving in urban areas, where long cycle life and safety make them a reliable and sustainable option for public or school transportation fleets.
• Heavy-duty trucks: A great fit for delivering consistent power. Their steady, reliable energy supports strong performance in high-demand scenarios like climbing steep grades or hauling heavy cargo.
• Medium-duty trucks: Perfect for daily routes with frequent stops, LFP batteries provide excellent durability and cost-efficiency while maintaining consistent performance over time.
• Delivery vans: Smaller electric delivery vans, such as those used for parcel or grocery deliveries, benefit from LFP’s cost-efficiency, extended life, and suitability for regular, shorter routes.
• Utility + municipal vehicles: Vehicles like street sweepers, maintenance trucks, or service vehicles can leverage LFP’s durability and sustainability, especially for city operations.
• Garbage trucks: They benefit from LFP’s ability to withstand frequent charge-discharge cycles and operate efficiently in demanding conditions.

Battery + vehicle compatibility 

Just like in love, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to powering commercial vehicles. The key is finding the match that best fits the unique needs of your fleet. Whether you’re drawn to the high-energy allure of NMC or the steady, long-term reliability of LFP, there’s an ideal battery for every electric commercial vehicle.

Our commitment to finding your perfect battery match

Need help matchmaking? With a 100+ year legacy in technology innovation with Cummins Inc., you could say we, Accelera™ by Cummins, have extensive match-making experience when it comes to powering vehicles.

With both NMC and LFP chemistries in the Accelera portfolio, we’re committed to delivering battery solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of the commercial transportation industry.  Remember that your electric vehicle can drive toward a cleaner, greener future together when the chemistry is right.

Ready to find your fleet’s perfect match? Contact the Accelera team to start your electric journey.