Aug 4, 2025

NCA Battery — Nickel‑Cobalt‑Aluminium Technology for Electric Power Cells

NCA Battery — Nickel‑Cobalt‑Aluminium Technology for Electric Power Cells

Published: 10.10.2023 | Reading time: ~3 minutes

NCA is a type of lithium-ion rechargeable battery whose cathode is made from nickel‑cobalt‑aluminium oxides. Known for its high energy density and fast charging, NCA technology is widely used in electric vehicles—Tesla notably utilizes it.

Key Characteristics:

  • Very high energy density (surpasses NMC in energy potential)

  • Fast charging support

  • Uses minimal cobalt by replacing some content with aluminium

  • Popular choice in automotive and high-energy systems

Limitations:

  • Comparatively lower thermal stability—overcharging or exposure to high temperatures may cause thermal runaway

  • Approximate cycle life of 1,000 full charge cycles, which can translate into up to 300,000 km of driving in real-world mixed-use scenarios

Typical Applications:

  • Electric vehicles (Tesla models and similar)

  • Powertrains and energy-storage modules with high-performance demands

  Summary:
For users or manufacturers seeking high power in EV and energy systems, NCA batteries offer a potent option—risk-managed, high-density performance at the cost of slightly reduced thermal margin.