From your home electronics to large appliances and electric vehicles, lithium batteries are being used for a wide variety of applications. Lithium batteries are becoming more popular and widespread for consumer electronic devices and gadgets due to their long list of benefits.
Rechargeable lithium batteries, on the other hand, have taken over portable consumer electronics by storm. From your mobile telephone to calculators, digital cameras, and laptops, you name it, and you will find a rechargeable lithium battery is being used in the equipment.
What is it that makes lithium batteries so popular? It’s the benefits that it takes along to the table. If you are wondering what are the pros and cons of lithium batteries, then you are just about to get your answer. Here in this article, we are going to talk about the benefits and drawbacks we have of using lithium batteries. So, let us first start with the pros.
Pros of lithium batteries
Typically, lithium batteries are further classified into lithium-hydride and lithium-ion batteries. However, both are popular and are commonly used by consumer electronics. Let us now see what the pros of lithium batteries are and how does it help us in general.
Low weight
It is one of the significant benefits that you look for in batteries. In contrast to other types of batteries, lithium batteries are low weight and thus allow you to easily carry them from one place to another. The lightweight feature of lithium batteries makes them possible to be used in portable devices, cordless power tools, and equipment.
High energy density
No matter what type of battery you are using, lithium batteries offer high energy density. It means that it can store more electrical energy in the same size as compared with any other type of battery. It also enhances the charging capabilities and makes the battery useful for a variety of applications.
Long lifetimes
With a shelf life of 10-12 years, lithium batteries last longer than other types, and it is one of the factors of its increasing popularity and use. Besides that, lithium batteries require less time to charge and do not need cooldown time, and once it is charged, it can last for days.
Slower capacity loss
Among many other factors, the most crucial element you notice is the self-discharge rate. Lithium batteries offer a minimal self-discharge rate when compared with different kinds of batteries. It is one of the reasons that lithium batteries last longer and give you long lifetimes.
Low maintenance
Unlike other batteries, a lithium battery does not require regular maintenance or measure to prolong its life. Making it simpler for all, it doesn’t need you to fill up battery fluid or to discharge it over a period. Similarly, no priming is required for lithium batteries. Despite low maintenance, the performance remains unaffected. In addition to low maintenance, lithium batteries require less number of manufacturing materials and thus consuming fewer resources than other batteries.
Variety of types available
Versatile applications require a particular set of requirements, and lithium batteries cover the most by introducing various types. Each electronic device has different power specs, and types of lithium batteries make it convenient and applicable to fit in all as per the specification required. From high-tech equipment to small devices, lithium batteries are made for all. Vast energy capacity has made it practicable to use lithium batteries in electric vehicles as well.
Other than that, lithium batteries are also suitable for outdoor applications as they can tolerate extreme temperatures.
Cons of lithium batteries
While there are several advantages of using a lithium battery for an electronic device, there are a few drawbacks as well. Let’s get to know about them in detail and see whether we should have a lithium battery or not.
Needs protection
The first thing you need to take care of is to see the lithium batteries are not overcharged or discharged completely. However, this can be accomplished by integrating battery protection circuitry that regulates charge and discharge function and keeps it at a level.
Aging
Battery aging depends on several factors, and one of those is the number of charge discharge cycles. When it comes to lithium batteries, they can only survive 500 – 1000 charge discharge cycles before their capacity falls.
Cost
Though lithium batteries offer a number of advantages, it all comes down to the price. Lithium batteries are expensive upfront as compared to other battery types.
Conclusion
Lithium batteries are involved in our day-to-day life. Knowing what are the pros and cons of lithium batteries will help you decide whether you should be going for it or not and will also allow you to use the batteries effectively.
As it can be seen from the article that there are numerous benefits you have over other batteries, but there are some drawbacks as well. Nevertheless, new technologies are being developed and introduced every day, and the same goes for lithium batteries. Remember to take safety precautions before you use any battery.