What are the advantages of lithium-ion batteries?

Electric car battery technology and generally battery technology are so popular right now.

Among modern lithium-ion battery power sources, Li-ion is perhaps the most common due to their versatility, low weight, insignificant self-discharge percentage and unpretentious maintenance.

Every device has its strengths and weaknesses. The choice of battery type is determined by what you expect from the battery and which factors are more important for specific purposes. If you want to choose ultra-smart lithium battery packs – the pros and cons will help you make a decision.

Electric car battery technology and generally battery technology are so popular right now.

Advantages of Li-ion Battery.

The main advantage of Li-ion batteries is their high energy capacity with a small weight of the device. This helps in cases where a heavy battery is not applicable. Hence the compact dimensions, which allow you to create batteries of any shape: for example, under the triangular frame of electric bicycles. Also, these batteries are actively used in portable technology: smartphones, wearable gadgets, battery-powered electric tools.

Compared to NiCd and NiMH batteries, Li-ion batteries deliver higher voltage.

• High current output.
• Operating temperature range: -20°С…+50°С.
• Self-discharge on a minimal scale: in a month the battery loses only 4-6% of its charge, in a year – no more than 20%.
• Even without regular use, the battery slowly ages, losing up to 20% in capacity per year.
• Under the conditions recommended by the manufacturers, the battery can be stored without loss of its qualities. It is enough to periodically check the charge and replenish it up to 45-60%. The optimum storage temperature is 0°C.
• A long battery charge-discharge resource is 500-1000 cycles, which is equivalent to 10 years of operation.
• Easy to operate and maintain.

Unlike other types, these batteries do not need to be “trained” after purchase. There is no need to make a full discharge to 5% and then a full charge in the first session. Even the absence of the “memory effect” is also one of the advantages, since the Li-ion battery can be regularly recharged without reaching 100%.

Disadvantages of lithium-ion batteries.

Li-Ion models with their relatively high cost can lose out to their opponents in cases where price is the main factor of choice. Other weaknesses are:

• Sensitivity to deep discharge (before shutdown) and connection to the charger when fully charged up to 100%. This disadvantage is offset by the use of built-in control systems that automatically turn off charging when the energy is fully replenished.
• Deterioration of performance at extreme temperatures. Even within its operating range, the battery loses capacity in cold and high heat.
• Service life is not so much dependent on cycles of operation, but simply on time. With its passage, the battery loses capacity, no matter how often it is discharged and charged.
• Fire hazard due to the negative impact of high temperatures, damage to the housing, mechanical shock. But these risks can be almost completely avoided by following the recommendations for use.

How to extend battery life.

Care and storage of the battery in the conditions prescribed by the instructions will increase its efficiency and ensure trouble-free operation for many years. To enjoy the benefits of lithium-ion batteries for as long as possible, follow these simple guidelines.

• Try not to let the battery drain less than 10-20%. Li-ion is easier to withstand small regular recharging than deep discharge.
• Protect from overheating. Do not leave the battery unprotected in direct sunlight, if possible avoid using it in extreme heat.
• Protect your battery from extreme cold by insulating it in extreme cold or storing it over the winter.
• Store the lithium-ion battery at 0°C and periodically check its charge: it should be maintained at about 50%.
• Try to protect the device from damage, shock and significant vibration. If the battery is installed on an electric vehicle, it is necessary to provide a shock-absorbing soft lining.