Pros and cons of lithium batteries

Pros and cons of Lithium Batteries

Batteries are quite common in our everyday lives, and lithium and Lead Acid Batteries are commonly used in electric vehicles. However, many people may not be familiar with the different types of batteries. Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of lithium batteries.

Advantages of Lithium Batteries:

1. High voltage: The working voltage of a single Lithium Polymer Battery can reach 3.6-3.9V, which is three times higher than that of Ni-Cd and Ni-H batteries.

2. High energy density: the actual specific energy of LiFePO4 Battery can reach 100-125Wh/kg and 240-300Wh/L (twice that of Ni-Cd and 1.5 times that of Ni-MH). With the development of technology, the specific energy can reach up to 150Wh/kg and 400Wh/L in the future.

3. Long cycle life: Generally, it can reach more than 500 cycles or even more than 1000 cycles. For devices that discharge small currents, the battery life will be doubled, improving the competitiveness of the device.

4. Good safety performance: no pollution, no memory effect. As the predecessor of Li-ion batteries, lithium batteries were limited in their application due to dendrite formation and short circuits caused by metallic lithium. However, Li-ion batteries do not contain environmentally harmful elements such as cadmium, lead and mercury and do not have the memory effect that severely limits the use of Ni-Cd batteries.

5. Low self-discharge: The self-discharge rate of a fully charged Li-ion battery stored at room temperature for one month is about 10%, much lower than the 25-30% of Ni-Cd and the 30-35% of Ni-MH.

6. Fast charge and discharge: 1C charge can reach more than 80% of the nominal capacity.

7. Wide working temperature range: The working temperature is -25~45°C, and it is expected to be extended to -40~70°C with the improvement of electrolyte and positive electrode.

Disadvantages of lithium batteries:

1. High cost: The cost of lithium batteries is relatively high compared to other types of batteries.

2. Limited availability: lithium is a rare and expensive metal, which limits the availability of lithium batteries.

3. Safety risks: lithium batteries can explode or catch fire if mishandled or damaged.