[Latest] A Complete Comparison Between LiFePO4 Battery And Lead Acid Battery

In recent years, lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4 batteries) have gained popularity in the market as a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional lead-acid batteries. While lead-acid batteries were the dominant energy source for many years, the advent of lithium iron phosphate technology offers consumers the opportunity to make a more informed decision about which battery best suits their needs.

In this article, we explore the differences between lithium iron phosphate batteries and lead acid batteries and why you should consider switching.

Part 1. Everything you need to know about lead-acid batteries

1.1 What is a lead-acid battery?

A lead-acid battery is a type of rechargeable battery commonly used for automotive and other applications such as backup power supplies, emergency lighting, and solar power systems. It was invented by Gaston Planté in 1859 and is still widely used today due to its low cost, high reliability, and relatively high energy density.

The basic construction of a lead-acid battery consists of lead plates (positive and negative) immersed in an electrolyte solution of sulfuric acid and water. The positive plate is coated with lead dioxide, while the negative plate is made of pure lead. The plates are separated by a porous insulator and the entire assembly is housed in a plastic or rubber case.

1.2 Characteristics of the lead-acid battery

• High energy density: Lead-acid batteries have a high energy density, which means they can store a large amount of energy relative to their weight and volume.
• Low costs: Lead-acid batteries are relatively inexpensive to produce and widely available, making them an attractive option for many applications.
• Heavy and bulky: Lead-acid batteries are relatively heavy and bulky compared to other battery types, which can make transportation and storage difficult.
• Limited cycle life: Lead-acid batteries have a limited number of charge and discharge cycles before they begin to degrade, which can limit their usefulness in certain applications.
• Toxic chemicals: Lead-acid batteries contain toxic chemicals such as sulfuric acid and lead, which can be harmful to the environment if disposed of improperly.

Part 2. Why is a lithium iron phosphate battery the better choice?

2.1 What is a lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO4 battery)?

Lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) are a newer type of rechargeable battery that offers several advantages over lead-acid batteries. First of all, lithium iron phosphate batteries have a higher energy density, which means they can store more energy in a smaller space. This makes them ideal for use in portable devices such as laptops, smartphones and electric vehicles.

2.2 Characteristics of the lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO4)

Lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) are a type of rechargeable battery that offers several advantages over other lithium-ion batteries. Here are some of the features of LiFePO4 batteries:

1. Higher energy density: LiFePO4 batteries have a high energy density, which means they can store a large amount of energy in a relatively small size and light weight.

2. Long service life:LiFePO4 batteries have a long lifespan, which means they can be charged and discharged many times without significant loss of capacity

3. Safe chemistry:LiFePO4 batteries have a safer chemistry than other lithium-ion batteries because they are less susceptible to thermal runaway, which can lead to explosions or fires.

4. Wide temperature range: LiFePO4 batteries can operate over a wide temperature range, making them suitable for use in extreme temperatures

LFP example products:

LFP-100: Timeusb 12V 100Ah Pro LiFePO4 battery

LFP-50: Timeusb 12V 50Ah Pro lithium battery

5. Fast charging: LiFePO4 batteries  can be charged at a higher rate than other lithium-ion batteries, allowing for faster charging times.

6. Low self-discharge rate: LiFePO4 batteries have a low self-discharge rate, which means they can retain their charge for a longer period of time when not in use.

7. Environmentally friendly: LiFePO4 batteries are environmentally friendly because they do not contain toxic metals such as lead or cadmium.

Due to these properties, LiFePO4  Batteries for a wide range of applications including electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, backup power systems and portable electronics.

Part 3. The comparison between LiFePO4 battery and lead-acid battery

battery type	Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4)	lead acid
energy discharge rate	80%-90%	30%-40%
life	2000 (up to 10 years or longer)	400 (usually between 3 and 5 years)
energy density	High	media
Security	Low (presence of toxic substances)	Excellent (no risk of fire/explosion)
Charge	Can be charged much faster compared to lead-acid batteries. LiFePO4 batteries can be charged at high speed without damaging the batteries.	To avoid damage, a slower charging speed is required.

From the format, we can see that lithium iron phosphate batteries have a longer lifespan. The design of lithium iron phosphate batteries indicates that they have a longer lifespan than lead acid batteries, which typically last 3-5 years. With proper maintenance, lithium iron phosphate batteries can last up to 10 years, resulting in lower replacement costs and making them a cost-effective option.

In addition to their longer lifespan, lithium iron phosphate batteries are more environmentally friendly than lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries contain hazardous substances such as lead and sulfuric acid, which can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.In contrast, lithium iron phosphate batteries are made of non-toxic materials that can be recycled, reducing their environmental impact.

In terms of performance, lithium iron phosphate batteries outperform lead-acid batteries. They can deliver more power in less time, making them perfect for high-drain applications like electric vehicles. In addition, they store and release energy more efficiently, allowing devices like laptops and smartphones to run longer.

Even though the initial price of LiFePO4 batteries is high, let's see what would happen years later.

-		lead-acid battery (Nominal capacity)	LiFePO4 battery (Nominal capacity)	LiFePO4 battery (High Capacity)
battery capacity	(Uh)	400Ah	12V 200Ah Plus	12V 410Ah
life	Number of cycles with 80% discharge	500 times	6000 times	6000 times
-	Total capacity in 10 years (Ah)	35200Ah	700,000 Ah	1400000Ah
-	cycle life (year)	3 years	10 years	10 years
Cost	Sales price (excluding VAT)	€7,860.93	€529.99	€1,139.99
-	the costs in one year (after 5 years of use)	€1,572.19	€180.20	€285.00
-	cost reduction rate	-	66% reduction	75% reduction
-	water operation and management	NEED	NOT Electricity bills can be reduced by 20 to 30%.	NOT Electricity bills can be reduced by 20 to 30%.

Now we can easily see that LiFePO4  Batteries are actually cheaper than lead-acid batteries in the long run. With better performance, it is actually a better choice.

Frequently asked questions about LiFePO4 and lead-acid batteries

1stCan I charge a LiFePO4 battery with a normal charger?

Yes, you can charge them with any type of charger as long as the charging voltage for our 12V series 14V to 14.6V.

2. Can LiFePO4 battery be charged at low temperatures?

It is not recommended to charge a lithium battery at temperatures below 0°C unless it is equipped with a designed equalizing charger. Charging a lithium battery at such low temperatures may cause damage to the battery and shorten its overall lifespan.

3. How long do lead-acid batteries last without charging?

A lead-acid battery can power a device for a single eight-hour shift before it needs to be recharged and cooled down.

Conclusion

While lead-acid batteries have been the preferred power source for many years, lithium iron phosphate batteries offer several advantages that make them a better choice for many applications. They are more efficient, last longer, and are more environmentally friendly than lead-acid batteries. If you are looking for a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly battery solution, consider switching to lithium iron phosphate batteries.