NCA

abbreviationStandard termEnergy

A lithium-ion battery chemistry using a cathode made of nickel, cobalt, and aluminum.

Nickel-cobalt-aluminum oxide is a specific cathode material used in high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries. The high nickel content provides excellent specific energy, making it a popular choice for electric vehicle powertrains where range is critical. The addition of aluminum helps stabilize the chemistry and extends the overall lifespan of the cell.

Heard on the job

The new EV pack uses cylindrical NCA cells to maximize the driving range.

Do not mix it up with

  • NMC: NCA uses aluminum for stabilization, while NMC uses manganese, though both are high-nickel chemistries used in EVs.