LiFePO4 batteries are taking over the charge of the battery World. When it comes to the comparison of LiFePO4 and lithium-ion batteries, LiFePO4 is a clear winner. Various factors make these batteries more reliable than others. In this article, we will discuss how LiFePO4 batteries differ from other batteries available on the market.
LiFePO4 battery is a newer innovation and has been around the world for the last 20 years. This newer type of lithium solution is noncombustible and has a lower energy density. The performance and efficiency of these batteries are much increased and these are the safest and most reliable batteries available for use in various applications.
Comparison with other batteries
Lead Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are made from a mixture of sulphuric acid and lead plates. These are the first type of batteries that were discovered in 1859. The lead-in these batteries is porous to allow the formation and dissolution of lead. Lead-acid batteries are a bit less costly than LiFePO4 but they end up costing you more in the future. These batteries in comparison with LiFePO4 batteries require continuous maintenance and you often need to replace them as they degrade quickly with time. LiFePO4 batteries last 2-4 times longer than these lead-acid batteries.
Gel batteries
Gel batteries are good because they do not need continuous charging and these batteries also do not lose charge while stored for long. The only drawback of gel batteries is in their charging process. These batteries charge at a very lower speed. Also, it is important to disconnect these batteries when are fully charged to avoid running them.
AGM batteries
AGM batteries are not preferable for use because these batteries give more damage to your wallet. Their charging should be maintained strictly as they damage themselves if they are drained below 50% capacity. On the other hand, LiFePO4 batteries do not require such care and can be discharged completely without the risk of damage. Therefore, it is difficult to maintain AGM batteries in various applications.
Nickel metal hydride batteries
These batteries were invented in the early 1960s. It is a type of rechargeable battery in which the negative electrode includes nickel and the positive electrode includes nickel hydroxide. These batteries are a bit more expensive than lead-acid batteries. Just like other batteries, the performance of these batteries decreases with time and you will notice a drop in power. Unlike LiFePO4 batteries, these nickel-metal hydride batteries require a longer time for charging.
Modern technology in cars
Technology has always helped mankind in saving the environment. A start stop battery has been developed using the latest technology. This battery work on a special system and helps save the environment by lowering fuel consumption. It does so by automatically stopping the engine when the car is still and starting the engine when someone pushes the brake or clutch.
Final Words
From the above discussion, we can conclude that LiFePO4 batteries as compared to other batteries available in the market are best for use in homes and various other applications. These batteries are preferred for use because they are lightweight and have been compact i.e they can be used with bicycles, motorcycles, etc because they cover very less space. Also, these batteries are eco-friendly and do not release any hazardous chemicals that can affect human life and the environment. Their price is a bit high as compared to lead-acid or other batteries but the characteristics like sustainability, low energy density, continuous supply, no active maintenance, climate resistance, and better performance make it worthy of investment. Most of the batteries used in schools, colleges, and offices are LiFePO4 batteries and big companies like Tesla is also using these batteries in their new models of cars. This investment is worthy as you can get the most out of it.