Key Benefits of Lithium Ion Batteries

Among the many benefits of lithium batteries are their low maintenance requirements, quick efficiency, and high energy density.

FREMONT, CA: Lithium iron phosphate batteries offer significant advantages over lead-acid or other lithium batteries, including improved discharge and charge efficiency, extended service life, and the ability to deep cycle while maintaining power. In general, LiFePO4 batteries are more expensive up front but have lower lifetime costs. They are a smart long-term investment because they require no maintenance and last very long.

Some of the notable advantages of lithium batteries are explained below:

The lithium battery is quick and efficient: In addition to its ability to charge and discharge at a high rate, it also provides maximum versatility for all applications. Fast charging minimizes downtime, and lithium's high discharge rate is suitable for power bursts. As lead-acid batteries must be charged in stages over a longer period, they perform inefficiently during high discharge periods, making them less versatile than lithium batteries. In high-stress situations, lithium's efficiency is unparalleled. The power delivery of lithium batteries is barely affected by temperature fluctuations and energy depletion when compared to lead-acid batteries. Lithium is the logical choice for applications that exhaust batteries or run under extreme conditions. 

Lithium batteries last 10 times longer than lead-acid batteries and maintain 80 percent of their rated capacity after 2,000 cycles. Lithium-ion batteries typically last five years or longer. Lead-acid batteries last two years. It is also imperative to maintain lead-acid batteries, as they require water replacement to avoid structural damage; if they aren't maintained properly, their life span is even shorter. One-time purchases of lithium batteries guarantee longevity since they require no active maintenance.

The lightweight champion is lithium: LiFePO4 batteries provide more energy and are typically half the weight of lead-acid batteries. Lithium provides the same or greater energy at a lower weight and size than other battery chemistries. As a result, installation is easier and more flexible.

Energy density is excellent: Lithium-ion batteries are renowned for their high energy density. As mobile phones must operate longer between charges while still consuming more power, batteries with higher energy densities are always needed. 

NiMH batteries, for instance, cannot provide the charging capacity needed for modern smartphones. Smartphones powered by Nickel Metal Hydride batteries wouldn't last long enough, especially if the battery remained the same size. 

Additionally, there are many power applications, from power tools to electric vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries offer higher power density. Electric vehicles also need high-energy-density batteries.

Maintenance-free: Lithium-ion batteries require no maintenance to ensure performance.

For Ni-Cad cells to prevent memory effect, they had to be discharged periodically. Lithium-ion batteries and cells are not affected by this. There is no need for this process or similar maintenance procedures. 

In the same way, lead acid batteries require regular maintenance, some requiring periodic acid topping up.

The self-discharge process: Self-discharge is a problem with many rechargeable batteries. In contrast to other rechargeable cells, such as Ni-Cad and NiMH, lithium-ion cells have a much lower self-discharge rate. A typical figure is around 5 percent in the first four hours after charging, then 1 or 2 percent per month afterward. 

Characteristics of the load: Lithium-ion cells and batteries have superior load characteristics. As the last charge is used, they provide a relatively constant 3.6 volts per cell.

Types available include: Lithium-ion cells are available in several types. With lithium-ion batteries, the right technology can be used for a particular application. Consumer mobile electronic equipment can benefit from lithium-ion batteries with a high current density. Power tools and electric vehicles can deliver higher current levels.