When shopping for a new battery, you will come across two different types of batteries: lead-acid batteries vs. lithium-ion batteries. Both have unique properties and benefits; however, choosing the right one can be difficult if you don’t know what to look for. The difference between them is quite significant, so you need to know how they work and their benefits.
This article will compare the two types of batteries and discuss what makes each one unique.
What Is Lead Acid Battery?
Lead-acid batteries are one of the most widely used battery types worldwide. They have been around for over 120 years and can be found in cars, trucks, boats, and even electric bikes.
These batteries are popular because they’re inexpensive and can be easily recharged.
Pros and Cons of Lead Acid Battery
Pros:
- They’re relatively inexpensive.
- They’re easy to recharge (using solar panels or a generator).
- They have a long lifespan and can be used in almost any vehicle.
Cons:
- Lead acid batteries are heavy and bulky, which makes them less efficient than lithium-ion ones.
- They’re not as powerful as lithium-ion batteries. They can’t be used for high-power applications like electric bikes or scooters.
- Lead acid batteries also tend to have a shorter lifespan than lithium-ion ones.
What is a Lithium Ion Battery?
Lithium-ion batteries have become the most common type of battery in electric vehicles. They’re also used to power electronics like laptops and cell phones. Lithium-ion batteries have many advantages over other types: they’re lightweight and long-lasting, making them more efficient than lead-acid ones.
Pros and Cons of Lithium Ion Battery
Pros:
- Lightweight and long-lasting
- More efficient than lead acid batteries
- Lithium-ion batteries have a high energy density so they can store more power in a smaller space.
- This type of battery is also less likely to catch fire than other types.
- Lithium-ion batteries have a long life span.
Cons:
- They’re more expensive
Lead Acid Batteries vs Lithium Ion Batteries
Lead acid batteries have been a thing for over a century and are still widely used. But some significant differences between lead acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries might make you want to consider switching over.
Here’s everything you need to know about lead-acid vs. lithium-ion batteries:
- Cost: Lead acid is cheaper than lithium-ion because it uses less expensive materials like lead plates and sulfuric acid solution. Lithium-ion batteries cost more because they use rarer materials like cobalt and manganese oxide.
- Voltage: Lead acid batteries typically have a nominal voltage of 2 volts per cell, while lithium-ion has one cell at 3 volts. The higher voltage allows for higher discharge rates, leading to increased power output from the same-size battery pack.
The Takeaway
Lithium-ion batteries are safer than lead-acid ones because they do not contain heavy metals that can leak out and damage the environment if disposed of improperly. Also, lithium-ion batteries have a longer shelf life than lead acid ones (over 20 years for lithium-ion vs. 5 years for lead acid).
