LG Chem announces new modules-free (MPI) batteries. Cheaper and more spacious with the same dimensions

South Korean website Elec claims that LG Chem has completed its “Module Package Integrated (MPI) Platform,” which means just a battery without modules. The absence of this intermediate stage between the cells and the entire battery is said to provide 10 percent higher energy density at the case level.

Batteries without modules as the next step in battery development

Modules are physical blocks, sets of lithium-ion cells enclosed in individual cases, which are then made up of batteries. They provide safety - the voltage on each of the modules is at a human-safe level - and they make it easier to organize the package, but add their own weight to it, and their cases take up part of the space that can be filled with cells.

Elec claims the LG Chem modular package delivers 10 percent higher energy density and 30 percent lower battery costs (source). While we can imagine a higher energy density, it is not clear to us where production costs are reduced by 30 percent. Is it about shortening the installation time of the entire battery? Or maybe an option to use cheaper cells instead of cells with the highest energy density available?

Thanks to the new battery architecture, a completely new platform for vehicle lighter design and a wireless cell management system must be created.

Batteries without modules is a move that many other companies are announcing or taking. BYD was the first to use Blade cells in a battery pack. BYD was forced to go for this operation because it uses lithium iron phosphate cells, which provide a lower energy density. The Chinese manufacturer had to fight for its growth by methods other than cell replacement.

CATL and Mercedes announce CTP (cell-to-pack) batteries, Tesla talks about 4680 cells that are part of the robust structure of the battery and the entire vehicle.

Opening photo: BYD Blade battery design diagram. Please note that long cells fit directly into the battery compartment (c) BYD