NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt)
Lithium-ion battery chemistry with high energy density, used in compact solar storage systems and electric vehicles.
Also known as: NMC Battery, Nickel Manganese Cobalt, Li-NMC
What Is NMC?
NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) is a lithium-ion battery chemistry that uses a mixture of nickel, manganese, and cobalt as the cathode material. NMC cells offer higher energy density than LFP and are therefore used in compact storage systems and electric vehicles.
Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Nominal voltage per cell | 3.6—3.7 V |
| Energy density | 150—250 Wh/kg |
| Cycle life | 3,000—6,000 cycles |
| Variants | NMC 111, 532, 622, 811 |
| Calendar life | 10—15 years |
NMC Variants
The numbers indicate the ratio of nickel, manganese, and cobalt:
- NMC 111: Equal proportions, balanced
- NMC 622: More nickel, higher energy density
- NMC 811: Very high nickel content, maximum energy density, but less stable
The trend is towards higher nickel content to reduce cobalt and increase energy density.
Use in Solar Storage
Some home storage systems (e.g. older LG RESU models) use NMC chemistry. Advantages include lower weight and more compact form factor. The disadvantage is lower cycle life compared to LFP.
Practical Tip
For new home storage installations, LFP is usually the better choice due to its higher safety and longevity. NMC storage is interesting when space and weight are limited.