We compared lead-acid, and lithium-ion battery chemistries in our previous post (see link below). We wondered how our century-old product still competed so well with lithium’s latest. After all we pondered, our competitor beats us hands down in terms of energy density by weight and volume. The answer can only be our market prefers us when comparing lead versus lithium battery performance.
Where Lithium Battery Performance Rates Lower Than Lead
Giovanni Mori Engineering believes the following five aspects mark lithium down, when compared to lead in terms of practical performance:
- Lithium-ion batteries are generally more expensive on account of raw materials such as cobalt and lithium. The manufacturing process is also more complex and that adds more cost.
- There are concerns over lithium batteries when not managed properly. They can overheat causing fires. Battery management systems help prevent this, but again there is a price attached.
- Lithium-ion performance deteriorates at high temperatures. Users may experience accelerating loss of capacity, as well as shorter cycle life, and again possible safety concerns.
- Lithium’s battery performance may decrease faster than lead’s, owing to capacity loss even when standing on a shelf. The various causes for this include state of charge, temperature, and cycling patterns.
- Recycling rates of spent lithium batteries are disappointingly low, compared to lead-acid success. The main causes for this are concerns over potential fires and explosions, and lithium’s more complex design.
Completing the Picture. How Long Should the Batteries Last?
Lithium-ion batteries can withstand regular deep discharges better than lead-acid ones can. They also have a lower self-discharge rate, and should last longer. When users compare lead-acid versus lithium battery performance there are many factors to consider. Perhaps the most compelling criteria are reliability and price.
More Information
Comparing Lead-Acid and Lithium-ion Batteries
