The Difference between LF280, LF280N and LF280K

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Currently there are three types of EVE 3.2V 280Ah LiFePO4 battery cells on the market: LF280, LF280N, LF280K.

This creates a nuisance.Many people do not know how to choose between these three types of battery cells. We have also received a large number of inquiries.

Today we will talk about the difference of these three battery cells.

Release Time

Let’s take a look at the release dates of these three models.

	LF280	LF280N	LF280K
Release Time	May 25th, 2018	Dec 22th, 2019	Mar 23th, 2021

So, LF280 was the first released, LF280N was the second released, and LF280K was the last released model.

But this does not mean that LF280 and LF280N have been replaced by LF280K, in this year (2021) these three models are still on the market side by side sales.

However, it can be observed that LF280K shipments are increasing, while LF280 and LF280N are decreasing.

So it can be understood that LF280K is gradually replacing LF280 and LF280N. In fact, we know from EVE that LF280K occupies most of the production line schedule this year, while LF280 and LF280N are less.

It is important to note that EVE never announced the discontinuation of LF280 and LF280N (many users received incorrect information), they just reduced the number of units scheduled and most of them were supplied to former contract customers. That’s why there are very few quantities available in the retail market.

Since some retailers sell without indicating the specific model, customers are concerned that the LF280 or LF280N is old stock after receiving it. This concern is actually unnecessary, after the big shortage in April 2021, the stock items are almost gone. And we can check the production date by parsing the QR code of the battery cell. You will find that they are mostly produced within a year.

The specific EVE battery cell QR code analysis method can be found here.

Next, let’s see what are the differences in characteristics between them.

Specification Differences

Based on the specifications of these three models, we have listed some of the main differences in the table.

Characteristic	LF280	LF280N	LF280K
Charging Temperature	0℃~55℃	0℃ ～60 ℃	0 ℃～55 ℃
Discharging Temperature	-20℃~55℃	-30℃ ～60 ℃	-20℃~55℃
Cycle Life	≥3500 cycles @1C/1C	≥3500 cycles @1C/1C	≥6000 cycle @0.5C/0.5C
Weight	5.22 kg	5.3 kg	5.42 kg

As you can see from this table, the biggest difference between these three models is the cycle life.

The cycle life of LF280 and LF280N is more than 3500 cycles. And the LF280K has a cycle life of over 6000 cycles.

But if you look at the data carefully, you will find that the cycle life of LF280K is tested under 0.5C charge/discharge conditions.

And the 3500 cycles life of LF280 and LF280N is measured at 1C charge/discharge current.

So there is actually variability in the test conditions. So is LF280K a significant improvement in cycle life over LF280 and LF280N?

After consulting with EVE, we got an official reply that the cycle life of LF280K is indeed longer than that of LF280 and LF280N, but not as much as indicated in the data.

LF280 and LF280N will also have a cycle life well over 3500 cycles at 25 degrees Celsius and 0.5C charge/discharge current.

The above table shows that LF280 and LF280N are almost the same. In fact, according to EVE, the LF280N is the LF280, and their original intention in adding the “N” was that all LF280Ns would only be sold in mainland China.

And LF280K has some improvements in the production process, so from 2021, they will mainly promote LF280K.

In terms of weight, LF280K is the heaviest and seems to use more materials such as electrolyte than LF280 and LF280N.

Appearance Differences

Although LF280, LF280N, and LF280K are derived from the same model. But they still have differences in size and appearance.

Characteristic	LF280	LF280N	LF280K
Dimension	200 x 173.6 x 71.5 mm	200 x 173.7 x 71.5 mm	204.6 x 173.7 x 72 mm
±Poles Center Distance	90 mm	90 mm	123 mm

LF280 and LF280N have the same external dimensions. However, the LF280K is 4mm taller than the LF280 and LF280N.

The distance between the positive and negative poles of LF280 and LF280N is 90mm, while it is 123mm on LF280K.

How to Choose between LF280, LF280N, LF280K

From the above comparison, we know that LF280K is the newer EVE 3.2V 280Ah battery cell version. Its most significant feature is that it has more cycle life than LF280 and LF280N.

If you already have an LF280 or LF280N and want to make a capacity upgrade, then purchase an LF280 or LF280N if possible, as they have the exact same material composition, which facilitates the balance of the battery cells.

But if you purchase LF280K battery cells, you will not have much problem, you should just note that the bus bar that comes with the battery cells will not work between LF280K and LF280 or LF280N because the positive and negative poles are different. Additional bus bars will need to be made.

If it is your first 280Ah battery cell purchase, then the EVE LF280K is the best choice.

Related Products:

1, LF280K (Ship to USA, Canada, EU, UK, Australia)

2, LF280N (Ship to USA, Canada, EU, UK, Australia)

Related Documents:

1, EVE LF280K 3.2V 280Ah LiFePO4 Battery Cell Specification(datasheet)

2, EVE LF280N 3.2V 280Ah LiFePO4 Battery Cell Specification(datasheet)

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