Common Myths About Lithium Batteries

Myth #1: Lithium Batteries Are More Expensive Than Lead-Acid Batteries

A widespread misconception is that lithium batteries are invariably more expensive than lead-acid batteries. While the upfront cost of lithium batteries is typically higher, their overall value becomes evident when considering their extended lifespan and greater usable capacity. On average, a lithium battery has a lifespan approximately ten times longer than that of a lead-acid battery.

When evaluating long-term costs, lithium-ion batteries can actually be more cost-effective than lead-acid alternatives. This is especially clear when looking at cycle life—the total number of times a battery can be discharged and recharged before it needs replacement. Lithium-ion batteries usually provide between 5,000 and 10,000 cycles at up to 80 percent depth of discharge. In contrast, flooded lead-acid and VRLA batteries typically offer just 400 to 500 cycles under similar conditions. If cycled once per day, a lithium battery could last over fourteen years, whereas a standard lead-acid battery may only last less than two years.

Myth #2: Lithium Batteries Don’t Work in Cold Weather

Another common myth is that lithium batteries are not suitable for use in cold climates. In reality, all battery types require special consideration in cold temperatures, which can cause irreversible damage if not properly managed. Standard lead-acid batteries, for example, suffer significant performance loss and reduced lifespan in cold environments. At temperatures below 32°F, lead-acid batteries may only deliver 70 to 80 percent of their rated capacity.

Lithium-ion batteries, however, maintain high efficiency and usable capacity even in cold temperatures, delivering approximately 95 to 98 percent of their rated capacity at 32°F, and about 80 percent at 14°F. In contrast, lead-acid batteries perform even worse as power demands increase in the cold, while lithium-ion batteries naturally warm up during use, which reduces internal resistance and increases voltage, helping equipment operate more effectively.

Charging procedures also differ in cold conditions. All batteries require careful charging at low temperatures, but lead-acid batteries have a narrower range of acceptable charging conditions, making cold-weather management more difficult. Both battery types should be charged slowly within their specified temperature ranges. For lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, in particular, charge current should be reduced to 0.1C below 32°F (zero C)and to 0.05C below 14°F(-10C) to avoid permanent damage.

Myth #3: All Lithium Batteries Are Inherently Dangerous

Media coverage of incidents involving lithium batteries in devices such as hoverboards, laptops, phones, and cars catching fire has led to the belief that all lithium batteries are hazardous. In fact, there are several types of lithium battery chemistries, including:

·         Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP or LiFePO4)

·         Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC)

·         Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO)

·         Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO)

·         Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA)

LiFePO4 batteries stand out for their extremely stable chemistry and strong chemical and mechanical structure, which results in very little heat generation. This stability prevents overheating and unsafe temperature rises. The strong covalent bonds between oxygen and phosphorus atoms in LiFePO4 batteries mean that, even if overcharged or physically damaged, the battery structure remains stable. By contrast, cobalt-based lithium batteries have weaker bonds that can break down, generate excess heat, and potentially cause thermal runaway. As such, not all lithium batteries share the same safety risks, and LiFePO4 batteries are recognised for their inherent safety and stability.

Due to their stability, LiFePO4 batteries do not require additional components for cooling or heat mitigation, which are necessary for lithium cobalt-based batteries. LiFePO4 batteries are also non-combustible, able to withstand harsh conditions, and will not explode if subjected to hazardous events like collisions or short-circuits. This makes LiFePO4 batteries a safe, non-toxic, and long-term energy storage solution.

Final Recommendations

·         Ensure your battery system includes a high-quality Battery Management System (BMS).

·         Set the external smart regulator to remain below the BMS upper limit.

·         Use a reliable shunt battery capacity meter to monitor the percentage of charge, charging voltage, current draw, and current charge.