Is LiFePO4 better than lithium-ion? Advantage and Type

Battery technology has come a long way from where it began. For decades we have seen lead-acid batteries dominate the world for bigger applications while lithium-ion batteries were the leader in the world of high energy density rechargeable batteries. However, we now have a new contender in the world of batteries competing against both. These are the LiFePO4 batteries; here, we will see what advantages these bring.

LiFePO4 Battery Advantage

The LiFePO4 battery type has several advantages, with only a few disadvantages over lithium-ion batteries. The following are the top advantages of the LiFePO4 batteries:

Reliable Performance

The first major advantage of these batteries over all other battery types is that the performance is highly reliable. The power output is affected in other batteries, like lithium-ion batteries or lead-acid ones, as the battery loses charge. With LiFePO4 batteries, the power output stays the same.

Quicker Charging

The charging is much faster if we compare the LiFePO4 battery to the lithium-ion battery of the same capacity. It is much faster than other battery technologies as well. On average, a LiFePO4 battery takes around 2 hours to charge fully. In comparison, a much smaller smartphone battery takes 1-2 hours to charge, too, with fast charging enabled.

3.2V 20A Low Temp LiFePO4 Battery Cell -40℃ 3C discharge capacity≥70% Charging temperature：-20~45℃ Discharging temperature: -40~+55℃ pass acupuncture test -40℃ maximum discharge rate：3C

READ MORE

More Power Output

The LiFePO4 batteries are known for providing more power output in smaller sizes. That's why these are used in power-hungry applications like electric vehicles. This feature and the reliable power supply make these more preferable choices than traditional battery types.

Higher Runtime

The LiFePO4 batteries come in a bigger form factor like the lead-acid batteries. In that size, these provide power similar to lithium-ion batteries with higher efficiency. Due to this high efficiency, these offer a higher runtime. Combining reliable performance with a longer time to put power out is a huge advantage. It is because, in the past, batteries with high outputs were not lasting long, and those lasting long couldn't put out more power unless we used multiple cells together.

Environmentally Friendly

Last but not least, these are environmentally friendly. Not only do these last very long but being rechargeable, these are much better for the planet. On top of that, these do not leak chemicals like other batteries do, so make a better choice for environmental safety.

Low Temperature High Energy Density Rugged Laptop Polymer Battery Battery specification: 11.1V 7800mAh -40℃ 0.2C discharge capacity ≥80% Dustproof, resistance to dropping, anti - corrosion, anti - electromagnetic interference

READ MORE

lithium battery Type

Comparing lithium-ion and LiFePO4 batteries can be confusing at times. It is because they have several similarities, including using lithium and carbon and following similar principles. However, the main difference is in the cathode material. The working principle of lithium-ion batteries is that the charges flow between electrodes using an electrolyte as their path. The same happens with the LiFePO4 batteries. The difference comes in the cathode materials where lithium-ion batteries can use different materials while LiFePO4 batteries use Lithium Iron Phosphate.

While there might be several similarities, the difference in technology brings some differences, including using more cells in LiFePO4 batteries than in lithium-ion batteries. It is because one cell in LiFePO4 provides 3.3 volts while one in a lithium-ion battery provides 3.6 volts on average. This difference in the LiFePO4 batteries brings some benefits over the traditional lithium battery types, including:

Less Self-discharge

Due to the difference in the making of these batteries, the self-discharge rate here is extremely low. The LiFePO4 battery has a self-discharge rate of only 2% monthly. It means leaving a 100% charged battery untouched for a month will only come down to 98%. The other batteries have much higher self-discharge rates.

Safe and Stable

Lithium batteries are known for catching fire and exploding during charging, as well as while they are idle. A major advantage of the LiFePO4 battery technology over all other lithium batteries is that it does not explode or catch fire. So, the LiFePO4 is known as the safest lithium battery out there due to its structural and thermal stability. It is something that the most common lithium-ion battery type lacks.

How long will a LiFePO4 battery last?

If we look at the traditional lithium-ion battery type, it lasts between 300-500 charge cycles, roughly 2-3 years for an average user. That's why we usually feel the batteries in our smartphones, laptops, and tablets lose performance after some time.

In comparison, the LiFePO4 can last up to 5000 charge cycles, a significant upgrade from the previous version. In terms of years, these batteries can easily last up to 10-15 years. It helps a lot considering their environmental friendliness, as discussed above.

What are the main applications for which you may use LiFePO4 batteries?

With such long life from the LiFePO4, certain applications can benefit from all the advantages of these batteries. The best ones include:

Power-hungry Electric Vehicles

Some power-hungry vehicles need higher power output and higher run times. The LiFePO4 batteries make a perfect choice for such items, including fishing boats, scooters, mopeds, etc.

Solar Power Backup Units

The LiFePO4 batteries can make a perfect option for the solar power backup unit installed at your place. Due to their advantages over traditional batteries, these can help you make the most out of the sun's power.

Applications That Need Less Weight and More Power

There are certain power tools that you need to use remotely. You always require high power output but cannot carry more load as they won't be comfortable to use. For all such power tools, the LiFePO4 batteries make a good choice.

Industrial Applications

Industrial applications like liftgates and floor machines can use LiFePO4 batteries. These are tough and safe compared to all other lithium batteries so you can enjoy reliability and safety for industrial applications.

Gadgets.

Although the usage is not as high, the LiFePO4 batteries are a great option for radio equipment, emergency lights, flashlights, and electronic cigarettes due to their safety and output capability.

Conclusion

With certain advantages over the most commonly used lithium-ion battery technology, it is not far that LiFePO4 batteries will take over the world of rechargeable batteries. These bring all the advantages, including safety, being environmentally friendly, better performance, etc., making these much better than both the traditional battery types.