November 16, 2025
Patent cliffhanger energy
A new chapter begins for EV batteries with the expiry of key LFP patents
Patents expired, opinions didn’t—cheap EVs or déjà vu
TLDR: Core LFP battery patents expired in 2022, promising cheaper, safer EVs—but commenters say the real edge remains locked behind newer patents and trade secrets. The thread splits between optimism for lower costs and skepticism over EU recycling targets, range limits, and lingering reliance on Chinese expertise.
The 2022 “patent cliff” for LFP—lithium iron phosphate—batteries is making headlines again, but the comments are where the sparks fly. One camp sneers that the old patents were “almost useless,” arguing the real magic is still locked behind fresh patents and secret sauce. Another crowd cheers: cheaper, safer EVs for the masses, thanks to tech used by Tesla and the Blade pack from BYD. Meanwhile, skeptics warn LFP still faces shorter range and slower charging, and hype up solid‑state batteries as the “next big thing”—just not quite ready for prime time. And yes, someone asked the question everyone’s thinking: “Wasn’t this 2022? Why are we just now freaking out?”
Behind the drama, the real plot twist: even with core LFP patents expiring, there’s a thicket of secondary patents on additives, coatings, and manufacturing tricks—plus trade secrets—that keep newcomers sweating through freedom‑to‑operate due diligence. Recycling mandates in the EU triggered a mini‑riot, with critics saying targets clash with the push for massive battery growth. Supply chains still lean on Chinese know‑how, and the UK’s charging network needs a glow‑up. Verdict from the comments: dead patents don’t mean open season—but the door is at least cracked open. Cue memes of a “patent cliff” that turns out to be a curb.
Key Points
- •Key LFP battery chemistry patents expired in 2022, expanding access and accelerating adoption in EVs and energy storage.
- •IP focus has shifted to secondary innovations (energy density, safety, fast charging, cost), protected by new patents and trade secrets.
- •CATL’s cell-to-pack technology (Quilin battery) and patents held by BYD and Tesla exemplify proprietary LFP engineering.
- •Freedom-to-operate analysis remains essential due to a dense web of secondary patents covering additives, coatings, and production methods.
- •Barriers include recycling economics under EU recycled lithium mandates, reliance on Chinese supply chains, and UK charging infrastructure gaps.