These days, lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are used in portable electronic devices. While they share some characteristics, their safety, lifespans, and energy densities are very different. The majority of individuals are undoubtedly already familiar with lithium-ion batteries since they own a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or some other electronic device. In comparison to conventional lead acid batteries, lithium ion batteries provide a number of benefits, such as a longer lifespan, lower weight, less maintenance, and a higher power output. If not disposed of appropriately, lead acid batteries can also be damaging to the environment.
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, on the other hand, are a more modern invention that are becoming more and more well-liked because of its inexpensive price and good temperature stability. A number of products are increasingly being powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries. These batteries are a great option for a variety of applications since they have several advantages over conventional lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) vs. LiFePO4 in Weight
When it comes to motor operations and other comparable applications, weight might be an important factor.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries contain the chemicals lithium-ion, lithium cobalt oxide, and lithium manganese oxide. They weigh more and have higher densities.
LiFePO4 – Lithium iron phosphate contains iron compounds, which are substantially lighter than the metals used in lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Lithium iron phosphate batteries’ high energy density is its main advantage. Because they can store more energy in a smaller space, they are a considerably more effective option than other battery kinds. They are superior for situations where weight is a key consideration because they are significantly lighter than other types of batteries.
Comparing lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries of same capacity, on average, lithium-ion batteries weigh around 50% more.
In many aspects, LiFePO4 batteries are superior. They are utter featherweights in terms of weight. These batteries can weigh up to 70% less than lead acid batteries. They are almost 50% lighter as compared to lithium manganese oxide batteries.
When a LiFePO4 battery is utilized, less gas is consumed, and the car is easier to control. Also, because to their tiny size, they take up less space in your RV, boat, scooter, etc.
Lithium iron phosphate batteries have a high energy density, are lightweight, and are extremely safe. They are a fantastic option for applications where safety is a consideration because they are significantly less likely to overheat or catch fire than other types of batteries.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) vs. LiFePO4 in Price
The price per KWh is the cost for a battery with a KWh capacity. To compare batteries and see which is more economical, it is advisable to compare prices per KWh. This is due to the fact that various storage capacities are available for every type of battery.
To establish the price per KWh, you must first know the battery’s KWh rating. This value might not always be listed by the battery. Nonetheless, it is easy to ascertain that. You can always find the amp hours and voltage on the battery you buy. You must thus apply the following formula:
(Ampere Hours x Voltage) / 1000 = KWh.
Lithium-ion: Lithium ion batteries cost more since cobalt is employed as an electrode material.
LiFePO4: Lithium iron phosphate batteries use cobalt-free substitutes that are substantially less expensive, such as phosphate and iron.
It seems sense that a LiFePO4 battery would cost a little less than a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) vs LiFePO4 in Lifespan
The LiFePO4 battery outperforms the lithium ion in terms of both safety and life cycle, lasting 4.5 times as long. Given that LiFePO4 batteries do not overheat and do not even catch fire like the latter, it turns out to be a significant advantage.
Cycle life is the quantity of charging cycles a battery can withstand without experiencing performance loss. In reality, a single cycle is the act of executing a complete charge, a full discharge, and then another full charge.
A battery with a higher cycle life will perform better and survive longer.
ion batteries: Lithium-ion batteries have an average cycle life of 300 to 500 cycles. It essentially means that you can expect a lifespan of two to three years.
LiFePO4: The maximum cycle life for LFP batteries is around 3000 cycles. It indicates a period of more than seven years.
In terms of lifespan and cycle life, LiFePO4 batteries beat lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, lasting 4–5 times longer.
Because LiFePO4 batteries are less energy dense than other lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, they perform poorly in wearable electronics devices like smartwatches. For electric motorcycles, bass boats, golf carts, RVs, solar energy systems, etc., it is by far the best. This is due to a number of factors.
1.A LiFePO4 battery’s cycle life is over four times longer than that of a lithium-ion battery, to start.
- It is also safer than other battery kinds, such lithium ion, making it the safest kind of lithium battery available.
It’s a good idea to have a backup plan in place in case something goes wrong. This is noteworthy since it shows that LiFePO4 batteries do not have overcharging issues, in contrast to other batteries.
They can thus be utilized for a longer period of time. When compared to other types of batteries, a good LiFePO4 battery can actually be utilized for longer periods of time. You can anticipate receiving about 5,000 cycles. It translates to roughly ten years. It’s been a while since I’ve done this, but I’m going to try. LiFePO4 batteries therefore outperform lithium ion batteries.
Conclusion
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are, in general, a great option for a number of applications. They are an excellent option for powering a variety of devices due to their high energy density, light weight, and safety. It is understandable why these batteries are growing in popularity given their many benefits. If you want to take care of and want your electrical equipment and devices, such as RVs and golf carts, to survive a long time, think about investing in lithium iron phosphate batteries.
