Lithium batteries vs. lead-acid batteries: Which one is better?

The use of lithium batteries: an incredible leap

The history of batteries is similar to the history of human development. The introduction of lithium batteries into the lives of every household is inseparable from the continuous development of science and the countless people who have dedicated themselves to it. From the discovery of electricity to the use of electricity to the storage of electricity, human’s needs have promoted the development of batteries. The types of batteries are quite rich and can be classified in many directions from model, purpose, and composition. Below we mainly talk about: lithium batteries and lead-acid batteries.

Why can lithium batteries replace lead-acid batteries?

Lithium batteries and lead-acid batteries are representatives of deep cycle batteries, so why are lithium batteries more recommended now? Although the two are important sources of power for ships, RVs, and solar cycle systems, they are quite different in many aspects. Distinguishing between the two can also help us make the appropriate choice according to our needs.

First of all, the battery itself is a good helper in providing energy power. Lead-acid batteries use traditional technology, which also means that lithium batteries have higher technical performance.

Weight and size: Portable? Space utilization?

The size and weight of lead-acid batteries are often a pain point for this type of battery. If they need to be used or transported outside, they require some helpers. Moreover, if placed at home, the space utilization rate is low and it takes up family space.

On the contrary, lithium batteries have been improved to address the low utilization rate of space and weight. They are easy to carry and have greatly reduced weight and volume. They are indeed a good choice for home use.

Quality-price ratio

In addition, the battery should be cost-effective. Although lead-acid batteries have long been known for their affordability and long life, lithium batteries are not to be outdone in this regard.

Significantly improved performance = higher cost performance: For consumers, the first thing they care about when buying a product is the price. Looking at the price alone, lead-acid batteries seem to have an advantage. However, this was the previous view. Nowadays, people have higher requirements for performance and quality, and they are also more thorough when shopping.Then people will pay more attention to the performance of the battery itself: service life, battery capacity, battery charging and discharging. Lithium batteries have a higher energy density, which makes them lighter and more compact than lead-acid batteries. Apart from  battery capacity, more importantly, lithium-ion batteries can reach 100 percent depth of discharge, this value is even close to twice as high as the lead-acid batteries. For the same capacity, lithium batteries is undoubtedly a better choice. The service life of lithium batteries can be up to ten years, while lead-acid batteries are known for their long-term use, but their actual service life is only 2 to 3 years.

To sum up, looking at the price, lead-acid will be more popular. However, the lithium battery itself performance and service life is more cost-effective than lead-acid, and reduces the maintenance requirements, so that people are more worry-free, the use of a better sense of experience.

Tips for charging

Lithium batteries and lead-acid batteries have different charging processes, the two chargers can not be mixed, there is a risk of explosion. Lead-acid batteries are charged in three stages: the voltage rises gradually during the bulk charging stage until it reaches the highest level. Next is the absorption stage, during which the voltage remains constant and the current decreases. Finally, the charging process enters the float stage, where the voltage is reduced to a lower level to keep the battery fully charged without overcharging.

LiFePO4 batteries are charged in two stages: the LiFePO4 battery charging process requires a constant current/constant voltage (CC/CV) charging method, in which the current remains constant until the battery reaches a specific voltage, after which the voltage is held constant until the current gradually decreases.

Understanding the differences in charging and discharging between the two can help avoid intermittent battery life, performance and safety concerns.

Lithium batteries contribute to environmental protection

Changes in the earth's environmental climate have led to an increased emphasis on environmental protection. From this perspective, lithium batteries are better.

Currently, lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries are mainly common on the market. They are also the focus of this article. Lead-acid batteries contain lead compounds, once leaked out of the serious environmental pollution, can be divided into four main types: The most fundamental point or heavy metal pollution. In the production and processing of batteries, metal lead is easy to produce lead fumes, lead vapor and sulfuric acid mist, etc., polluting the atmosphere. Cadmium metal is an additive to the alloy, and will be volatilized into the air when used lead-acid batteries are incinerated.

The production route of lithium batteries has always been advocating green, environmental protection, recycling, utilization is also more environmentally friendly, so on the environmental point of view lithium batteries are truly environmentally friendly products. Cobalt in lithium batteries, although there is pollution, but as a transition metal element activity in general, the impact on the environment is not great.

In conclusion

From this point of view, no matter from the performance, price, or environmental protection, lithium batteries is an excellent choice for recyclable batteries in the future for a long time.