In recent years, the electric bike and electric scooter market has shown a clear trend: NCM (Nickel–Cobalt–Manganese) lithium batteries are used far more widely than Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries.
This does not mean LFP is inferior. Instead, the shift is mainly due to market demand, product design limitations, and performance requirements in light electric vehicles.

This article explains the key reasons behind this trend.

1. NCM Batteries Offer Much Higher Energy Density (The Core Reason)

For e-bikes, scooters, and other light mobility devices, users care most about:

• Longer riding range

• Smaller battery size

• Lighter weight

This is where NCM batteries have a major advantage:
➡ NCM batteries store more energy in the same volume.

Example:

In popular cases such as Hailong batteries:

• NCM can reach 48V 17.5Ah

• LFP may only reach 48V 10–12Ah

So for manufacturers aiming for higher range, NCM becomes the natural choice.

2. NCM Battery Cost Has Dropped Faster Than LFP

Years ago, LFP was the cheaper option.
But from 2021–2024, major changes happened:

• Massive production of 18650/21700 NCM cells

• Mature supply chains

• Increased competition among top cell factories

This led to significant cost reductions in NCM batteries.
As a result:

➡ NCM now offers higher performance with only slightly higher—or even similar—costs.

For most customers, the performance-to-price ratio is more attractive.

3. LFP Cells Are Larger and Do Not Fit Many Popular Battery Housings

Most common e-bike battery cases were originally designed for NCM cell structures. Examples:

• Hailong (Shark) cases

• Rear rack batteries

• Tube-integrated frame batteries

• Triangle frame batteries

Since LFP cells are:

• Larger

• Lower in energy density

• Heavier

They cannot provide sufficient capacity within the same shell size.

Example:
A Hailong shell can fit 17.5Ah NCM, but only around 10–12Ah LFP.

This capacity gap directly affects riding range, making LFP less attractive for light EV manufacturers.

4. Market Demand Favors Lightweight, Long Range, and High Power

Global e-bike and scooter buyers—especially in Europe and North America—expect:

• Long riding range

• Lightweight vehicles

• Compact battery size

• Higher speed and stronger performance

NCM fits these requirements almost perfectly.

Meanwhile, LFP, although safer and longer-lasting, is comparatively:

• Heavier

• Bulkier

• Lower in energy density

Therefore, it struggles to compete in light mobility applications.

5. LFP Is Still Excellent—Just for Other Applications

LFP remains a leading technology in areas like:

• Energy storage systems

• Home backup power

• UPS power supplies

• Low-speed vehicles

• Shared e-bike fleets (high safety & long cycle life required)

These fields prioritize safety and cycle life over weight and energy density.

But for electric bikes and scooters, priorities are different—space and performance matter more.

Conclusion: NCM Isn’t “Better,” but It Is More Suitable for Light Electric Vehicles

Why is NCM used more?
Because for e-bikes and scooters, NCM delivers what the market demands:
➡ longer range, lighter weight, smaller size, and stronger performance.