The PL6042148 lithium battery pack from Shenzhen SouthRiver has 6Ah capacity and 25C discharging rate
	In this report   •   Main story   •   LiFePO4 is material of choice   •   Price increase imminent   •   Production is ramping up

Ternary mixtures such as LiFePO₄, LiMn₂O₄ and nickel, cobalt and manganese are increasingly being used to produce lithium batteries for commercial and industrial applications.

Lithium battery suppliers in Shenzhen are compelled to manufacture safer, environment-friendly and cheaper battery chemistries. The trend is abetted by mainland China's central government mandating in 2007 the use of LiFePO₄ and LiMn2O₄ batteries, particularly for companies in hazardous industries, such as coal mines.

With conventional markets such as those for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras and consumer electronics near saturation, competition continues to intensify, driving manufacturers in Shenzhen to increase their yield for specialized lithium batteries, which have relatively higher profit margins.

Supply remains highest for lithium batteries for mobile phones. About 70 percent of mainland China's lithium batteries for mobile phones are produced in Shenzhen. However, demand is rising for products for emerging applications—electric tools, office equipment, power supplies, and medical and military devices, among others.

Shenzhen is home to hundreds of manufacturers of batteries and battery packs, and nearly 90 percent of them are private enterprises. These manufacturers usually carry lithium battery lines, including specialized types.

About 40 of these manufactures are major local industry players, including BYD Co. Ltd, Shenzhen BAK Technology Co. Ltd, Shenzhen B&K Battery Co. Ltd, TCL Hyperpower Batteries Inc., HYB Battery Co. Ltd and Power Tech International Co. Ltd.