{"id":15824,"date":"2023-02-08T22:09:04","date_gmt":"2023-02-08T22:09:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/escooternerds.com\/?p=15824"},"modified":"2024-10-02T15:21:19","modified_gmt":"2024-10-02T15:21:19","slug":"lithium-ion-vs-lead-acid-battery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/escooternerds.com\/lithium-ion-vs-lead-acid-battery\/","title":{"rendered":"Lithium-Ion vs Lead-Acid Battery (Which Is Better For Electric Vehicles?)"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this guide, we will look at the differences between lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries, and learn why one of them has become pretty much outdated, while the other one has taken over the world of electronics and gadgets.<\/p>

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Which is better lithium battery or lead-acid battery?<\/div>\n\t\t

Lithium-ion batteries outperform lead-acid counterparts in power, reliability, and durability. They offer higher energy density, lower self-discharge, and a compact design. With a longer lifespan, faster charging, and superior environmental friendliness, they stand as a more advanced option.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Lithium-ion vs lead-acid battery<\/h2>

Lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries are the primary battery types<\/a> used in electric vehicles.<\/p>

Lithium-ion batteries, recognized as the superior choice for electric vehicles, set the standard for this mode of transportation.<\/p>

Despite being somewhat pricier, they offer a lightweight design, high energy density, efficiency, and terminal voltage, among other superior properties.<\/p>

Lead-acid batteries, while more affordable, often lack the advantages associated with modern battery technologies.<\/p>

Older and perceived as inferior in terms of capacity, efficiency, charge rate, and weight, lead-acid batteries remain a budget-friendly alternative.<\/p>

Lithium-ion battery: The basics<\/h2>
\"Lithium-ion
A lithium-ion battery for electric vehicles<\/figcaption><\/figure>

A lithium-ion battery, with its carbon-based anode, lithium oxide-based cathode, and lithium salt electrolyte, is a popular choice for rechargeable batteries among electric vehicle enthusiasts. Praised for its compact, lightweight design and low self-discharge, lithium-ion batteries have their advantages.<\/p>

However, there are considerations. Charging a lithium-ion battery at a higher voltage may lead to faster degradation compared to a lead-acid battery. Moreover, these batteries are sensitive to high temperatures, posing a risk of fire<\/a> and damage if overheated.<\/p>

While lithium-ion batteries offer enhanced power, they demand additional protection for optimal performance and longevity. If you own an electric scooter, bike, or motorcycle powered by a lithium-ion battery, ensure you maintain safe limits for temperature, voltage, and discharge rates.<\/p>

How does a lithium-ion battery work?<\/h3>

Lithium-ion batteries works by transporting electrons from one electrode to the other during discharging and charging.<\/p>

During the discharging process, i.e., when the lithium-ion battery is powering your electric scooter, electrons travel from the negative towards the positive electrode.<\/p>

During the charging phase, this process is reversed.<\/p>

Lead-acid battery: The basics<\/h2>
\"Lead-acid
A lead-acid battery<\/figcaption><\/figure>

A lead-acid battery, unlike the lithium-ion battery, utilizes lead as a negative electrode, lead oxide as a positive electrode, and sulfuric acid as an electrolyte.<\/p>

Lead-acid batteries are favored in various transportation devices due to their affordability and high power-to-weight ratio. They are particularly suitable for starter motors in vehicles requiring robust current.<\/p>

However, compared to lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries are heavier, less efficient, and have lower energy density. They also exhibit longer charging times and a shorter lifespan. These drawbacks explain why many electric vehicle owners opt for lithium-ion batteries.<\/p>

How does a lead-acid battery work?<\/h3>

The discharging and charging phases of lead-acid batteries involve electrochemical processes similar to those in Li-ion batteries. However, a lead-acid battery operates differently.<\/p>

Atoms flow from the positive to the negative electrode, while electrons travel from the negative to the positive electrode.<\/p>

The charging process produces hydrogen and oxygen gases, and the battery voltage reduces between discharging and charging processes.<\/p>

Lithium-ion vs lead-acid battery differences<\/h2>
Parameter<\/th>Lithium-ion battery<\/th>Lead-acid battery<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Energy density<\/td> High<\/td> Low<\/td><\/tr>
Capacity<\/td> High<\/td> Low<\/td><\/tr>
Efficiency rate<\/td> 95% or higher<\/td> 80-85%<\/td><\/tr>
Working temperature<\/td> -20 to +60 \u00b0C<\/td> -10 to +40 \u00b0C<\/td><\/tr>
Depth of discharge<\/td> Low <\/td> High<\/td><\/tr>
Size and weight<\/td> Compact and lightweight<\/td> Bulky and heavy<\/td><\/tr>
Charge rate<\/td> 2-3 hours<\/td> 8-9 hours<\/td><\/tr>
Installation<\/td> Easy to install<\/td> A bit difficult to install<\/td><\/tr>
Maintenance<\/td> Require less maintenance<\/td> Require frequent maintenance <\/td><\/tr>
Cost<\/td> Expensive<\/td> Cheap<\/td><\/tr>
Lifespan<\/td> Long<\/td> Short<\/td><\/tr>
Safety and environmental impact<\/td> Medium<\/td> Medium<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure><\/div><\/div>

If we take a closer look at the table presented above, we can see that there are several major differences between lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. These differences include:<\/p>

Energy density <\/h3>
\"Battery
Battery comparison of energy density<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The chart illustrates that lithium-ion batteries have high energy density<\/strong>, a key advantage that renders them indispensable in the realm of modern electric vehicles.<\/p>

Even the most affordable lithium-ion battery delivers more energy per kilogram than the priciest lead-acid battery, with energy density ranging from 300-500 Wh\/kg compared to the lead-acid battery’s 25-35 Wh\/kg.<\/p>

Capacity<\/h3>

In contrast to a lead-acid battery, a lithium-ion battery has greater capacity<\/strong>, enabling it to store more electricity.<\/p>

Consequently, if you were to travel the same distance on a scooter powered by each of the two batteries, the lead-acid battery would require recharging much sooner than the lithium-ion battery.<\/p>

Efficiency rate<\/h3>

Once more, a lithium-ion battery exhibits higher energy efficiency compared to an equivalent lead-acid battery. This stems from its capacity to convert energy from electrical to chemical energy during charging and reverse the electrochemical process during discharge.<\/p>

Using specific figures to illustrate, a lithium-ion battery has 95 percent efficiency<\/strong>. In contrast, the usable energy stored in an equivalent lead-acid battery is rated between 80 and 85 percent<\/strong>.<\/p>

Depth of discharge<\/h3>

A lithium-ion battery exhibits lower self-discharge<\/strong> than its lead-acid counterpart, meaning the chemical reactions inside it result in less energy loss compared to an equivalent lead-acid battery.<\/p>

Additionally, lithium-ion batteries maintain low self-discharge both during use and while sitting on the shelf.<\/p>

This characteristic, along with their ability to hold a charge for an extended period, contributes to the better storage life of lithium-ion batteries.<\/p>

Size and weight<\/h3>
\"Lithium-ion
A 10-cell lithium-ion battery<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The preference for lithium-ion batteries among electric vehicle owners is largely due to their compact and lightweight design<\/strong>. In contrast to lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries feature smaller cells composed of the lightweight metal lithium, and their electrolyte is water-free.<\/p>

Conversely, lead-acid batteries are constructed with the denser material lead<\/strong>, incorporating more cells and a water-based electrolyte.<\/p>

They necessitate proper ventilation to release gases and prevent overheating in elevated temperatures, contributing to their bulkier and heavier build compared to lithium-ion batteries.<\/p>

Charge rate<\/h3>
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A man charging an electric scooter on a street<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Lithium-ion batteries boast faster charging times<\/strong> compared to lead-acid counterparts.<\/p>

A single lithium-ion battery pack can be fully charged in 2 to 3 hours, potentially even less with modern quick-charging technology. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries offer the flexibility of partial charging.<\/p>

In contrast, a lead-acid battery with a similar capacity requires 8 to 9 hours for a full charge. Partial charging is discouraged for lead-acid batteries, as it may lead to sulfating and subsequent damage.<\/p>

Installation<\/h3>
\"Lithium-ion
A lithium-ion battery being replaced on an electric scooter<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The compact and lightweight design of lithium-ion batteries makes them easy to install and replace<\/strong> in any electric vehicle. Their sealed cells ensure a leak-proof operation, allowing installation in any position.<\/p>

In contrast, lead-acid batteries, due to their bulkiness, present challenges in installation. Care must be taken to avoid upside-down installation, which can lead to leakage and venting issues.<\/p>

Maintenance<\/h3>

Both battery types require maintenance for optimal lifespan<\/strong>, but lithium-ion batteries demand less attention than lead-acid ones.<\/p>

Lithium-ion batteries incorporate protection circuitry<\/strong> to prevent issues like overcharging, complete discharging, or exposure to high temperatures.<\/p>

Lead-acid batteries, on the other hand, need periodic de-sulfation of their plates to sustain electrochemical reactions with the electrolyte. Terminal cleaning and regular topping off of the liquid electrolyte with water are also essential.<\/p>

Furthermore, charging lead-acid batteries necessitates a designated area due to gas emissions during the process. Adequate ventilation systems are required to release the emitted gas safely into the atmosphere.<\/p>

Cost<\/h3>

A lithium-ion battery is more expensive than an equivalent lead-acid battery.<\/strong> Usually, the extra price is well worth it, however, since the user experience overall is much better with lithium-ion batteries.<\/p>

Lifespan<\/h3>

Lithium-ion batteries outlast lead-acid counterparts in terms of discharging and charging cycles, nearly doubling their lifespan under equivalent parameters.<\/p>

A well-maintained lithium-ion battery can endure up to 3000 cycles<\/strong>, while even the top-performing lead-acid batteries typically manage 1200 to 1500 cycles<\/strong>.<\/p>

Safety and environmental impact<\/h3>

Lithium-ion batteries are safer<\/a> and more environmentally friendly<\/strong> than lead-acid counterparts. Lead-acid batteries contain corrosive sulfuric acid, risking leakage if overcharged. Their lead electrodes contribute to lead contamination and toxic waste during production, disposal, or recycling.<\/p>

Overcharging a lead-acid battery may vent oxygen and hydrogen, posing an explosion risk<\/a>. While fires are possible, their overall fire risk is considered low. Proper precautions can ensure safe and sustainable usage.<\/a><\/p>

In contrast, lithium-ion batteries lack these risks but are sensitive to high temperatures and flammable. Excessive internal heat, exceeding atmospheric dissipation, can lead to thermal runaway and potential explosions. <\/p>

Pros and cons of lithium-ion batteries<\/h2>
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PROS<\/div>\n\t\t