Li-ion Vs LiFePO4 Batteries: Advantages and Disadvantages

These days, portable electronic items use two different types of batteries: lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate. These have some things in common, but differ significantly in terms of safety, lifespan and energy density. Since most people own a laptop, tablet, smartphone or some other electronic device, they are probably familiar with lithium-ion batteries. Lithium ion batteries offer several advantages over traditional lead acid batteries, including a longer life span, reduced weight, less maintenance, and a higher power output. Lead acid batteries can also be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.

However, lithium iron phosphate batteries are a more recent development and gaining popularity due to their low cost and high temperature stability. lithium iron phosphate batteries are an increasingly popular choice for powering a variety of devices. These batteries offer a number of advantages over traditional lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of applications.

Li-ion Vs LiFePO4 Weight

Weight can be a crucial consideration in motor operations and similar applications. 

Lithium-ion - lithium cobalt oxide and lithium manganese oxide compounds are found in lithium ion batteries. These have higher densities and weights. 

LiFePO4 - Iron compounds, much lighter than the lithium-ion battery metals, are present in lithium iron phosphate. The primary benefit of lithium iron phosphate batteries is their high energy density. This makes them a much more efficient choice than other types of batteries, as they can store more energy in a smaller package. They are much lighter than other types of batteries, making them ideal for applications where weight is a major factor.

On average, lithium-ion batteries have about 50% more weight as compared to lithium-ion batteries of equal capacity.

LiFePO4 batteries are better in a variety of ways. When it comes to weight, they are absolute featherweights. These can be as much as 70% lighter in weight than lead acid batteries. When compared to lithium manganese oxide batteries, these are nearly 50% lighter. 

Less gas is used and the vehicle is more maneuverable when a LiFePO4 battery is used. Additionally, they take up less room on your RV, boat, scooter etc, because of their compact design. 

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In addition to their high energy density and light weight, lithium iron phosphate batteries are also very safe. They are much less likely to overheat or catch fire than other types of batteries, making them a great choice for applications where safety is a priority.

Li-ion Vs LiFePO4 Price

The price per KWh represents the cost for each KWh capacity of battery. It is best to compare batteries based on cost per KWh to determine which is more cost-effective. This is because every type of battery is offered in a range of storage capacities.

You must first determine the battery's KWh rating in order to calculate the cost per KWh. The battery may not list this value always. However, it is simple to figure that out. The battery you purchase will always list the amp hours and voltage. Therefore, you have to use this formula:

KWh = (Ampere Hours x Voltage) / 1000.

Lithium-ion: Cobalt is used in lithium ion batteries as an electrode material, which raises the battery price.

LiFePO4: Cobalt-free alternatives like phosphate and iron are significantly less expensive, and are used in lithium iron phosphate batteries.

It can easily be understood that the cost of a LiFePO4 battery is a little less than a lithium-ion battery.

Li-ion Vs LiFePO4 Lifespan

Both in safety and life cycle, the LiFePO4 battery beats the lithium ion, lasting 4.5 times longer than the latter. It happens to be a crucial advantage, given that LiFePO4 batteries do not overheat and do not even catch fire like the latter.

The number of charging cycles a battery can withstand with no performance degradation is referred to as cycle life. A single cycle is actually the procedure of performing:

A full charge, followed by

A full discharge, followed by 

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A full charge once more.

A battery with a higher cycle life will last longer and offer you a better ROI.

Lithium ion: The typical cycle life of lithium-ion batteries is 300 to 500 cycles. More or less, it means 2 - 3 year lifespan is what you can get.

LiFePO4: About 3000 cycles are the maximum cycle life for LFP batteries. It stands for duration longer than 7 years.

LiFePO4 batteries outperform lithium-ion batteries in lifespan as well as cycle life, managing to last 4 - 5 times longer.

For wearable electronics items like smartwatches, the LiFePO4 battery performs poorly, because they are less energy dense than other lithium-ion batteries. However, it is by far the best for electric motorcycles, bass boats, golf carts, RVs, solar energy systems etc. There are various reasons for this.

1.First of all, the cycle life of a LiFePO4 battery is over 4 times longer than lithium ion batteries. 

2.Additionally, it is safer than other types of batteries, such as lithium ion, making it the safest type of lithium battery on the market.

3.Finally, LiFePO4 batteries have 3,000–5,000 cycles or more and can achieve 100% depth of discharge. This is significant because it means that LiFePO4 batteries, unlike other batteries, do not involve concerns about overcharging.

As a result, these can be used for longer. A good LiFePO4 battery can actually be used for more duration as compared to other kinds of batteries. About 5,000 cycles are what you can expect to get. That is approximately ten years. Therefore, over a period of time, the average cost is significantly better. So, LiFePO4 batteries compare favorably to lithium ion batteries.

Conclusion

Overall, lithium iron phosphate batteries are an excellent choice for a variety of applications. Their high energy density, light weight, and safety make them a perfect choice for powering a wide range of devices. With their many advantages, it is no wonder that these batteries are becoming increasingly popular. Consider investing in lithium iron phosphate batteries if you want to take care of your electronic equipment and devices, such as golf carts, RVs etc, and want them to last long.