Lithium ion Battery VS Lead Acid Battery
There are many differences between Lithium ion Battery and Lead Acid Battery, including:
1.Performance aspect
Energy density: Lithium ion batteries typically have an energy density of 200-260Wh/kg, while lead-acid batteries typically have an energy density of 50-70Wh/kg. Under the same capacity requirements, lithium-ion batteries are smaller in size and lighter in weight.
Charging and discharging efficiency: The charging and discharging efficiency of lithium-ion batteries can reach over 90%, while the charging and discharging efficiency of lead-acid batteries is usually between 70% and 85%. Lithium ion batteries can complete the charging process faster and output electrical energy more effectively during discharge
Output voltage: The output voltage of lithium-ion battery cells is generally 3.7V-48V, while the output voltage of lead-acid battery cells is usually 2V-3.7V. In application scenarios that require high voltage, lithium-ion batteries can meet the demand with fewer battery cells connected in series
2.Cycle Life
Cycle life: The cycle life of lithium-ion batteries can generally reach over 3000 times, while the cycle life of lead-acid batteries is usually around 1000 times. Lithium ion batteries can maintain good performance over long-term use, reducing the frequency and cost of battery replacement.
Calendar lifespan: The calendar lifespan of lithium-ion batteries is generally 8-15 years, while the calendar lifespan of lead-acid batteries is usually 3-5 years.
3.Safety
Thermal stability: Lead acid batteries have relatively stable internal chemical reactions, good thermal stability, and are less prone to thermal runaway. Lithium ion batteries may experience thermal runaway, combustion, explosion, and other risks under extreme conditions such as high temperature, overcharge, overdischarge, and short circuit.
Leakage risk: Lead acid batteries contain corrosive liquids such as sulfuric acid. If the battery casing is broken or poorly sealed, leakage may occur, causing damage to equipment and human health. Lithium ion batteries generally use solid electrolyte or gel electrolyte, so there is no leakage problem.
4.Cost
Initial cost: The production process of lithium-ion batteries is complex and requires the use of valuable raw materials such as cobalt and lithium, so the initial purchase cost is relatively high. Lead acid battery technology is mature, with low raw material costs, simple production processes, and relatively affordable prices.
Cost of use: Although lithium-ion batteries have a high initial cost, due to their long cycle life and high charging and discharging efficiency, the average cost per charge and discharge will gradually decrease over long-term use. Although lead-acid batteries are low in price, their cycle life is short and they require more frequent battery replacement, so the overall cost of use may not be low.
5.Environmental protection
Heavy metal pollution: Lead acid batteries contain harmful substances such as lead and sulfuric acid. If not handled properly, they can cause serious heavy metal pollution to soil, water sources, etc. Lithium ion batteries do not contain heavy metals such as lead, and their pollution to the environment is relatively small.
Recycling: The recycling technology of lithium-ion batteries is constantly developing, but the overall difficulty and cost of recycling are relatively high. The lead-acid battery recycling system is relatively mature with a high recycling rate, but there are still some non-standard recycling behaviors that lead to environmental pollution.