Lithium batteries are an increasingly popular way to power electronic applications, including recreational vehicles, medical devices and military hardware. Although they cost more upfront, lithium batteries provide superior longevity, efficiency and safety benefits compared to traditional, lead acid batteries. Discover our top 5 reasons why lithium is likely the investment you need.
1) Lithium Is Long-Lasting
Most lithium-ion batteries last five years or longer. For context, the average lead acid battery will need to be replaced after two years, due to chemical degradation. Lead acid batteries also need to be maintained, requiring water replacement to avoid structural damage; if they aren’t maintained properly, their life span is shortened even further. Because lithium batteries require no active maintenance, a one-time purchase guarantees increased longevity compared to lead acid (assuming you’re using a properly fitted battery and following usage guidelines).
2) Lithium Charges Quickly
Lithium charges and discharges power rapidly, giving you more usage versatility. Fast battery charging is important for applications with little downtime, such as monitoring equipment. High-rate discharging is important for applications requiring higher bursts of power, such as a vehicle ignition. Because lead acid batteries need to be charged over a longer period, in stages, and because they deliver poor performance during high discharge periods, they are less versatile than their lithium counterpart.
3) Lithium Is Efficient
Lithium’s efficiency is unparalleled, especially under high-stress situations. Unlike lead acid, lithium’s power delivery is barely affected by temperature fluctuations and energy depletion. If you plan on exhausting your battery or setting up your application in extreme weather, lithium is the only logical choice.
4) Lithium Is Lightweight
Certain applications require careful considerations to be made regarding battery weight and balance. Compared to lead acid, lithium provides the same or greater power at less than half the weight and size, giving you a more flexible approach to installation (and also making installation considerably easier).
5) Lithium Is Safe And Green
Finally, don’t overlook lithium’s environmental and personal safety record. Because lithium batteries are made from light metals, recycling and redistribution is easy and cost-effective, reducing the financial and operational burdens associated with recycling lead acid. Lithium batteries also contain no toxic chemicals that cause structural decay, further improving their environmental profile. RELiON lithium batteries have built-in safety features that reduce fire and explosion risk.
As with any major purchase decision, research your options diligently and make the most informed decision possible. However, chances are if you’ve invested a considerable amount of time and money into a new application, it’s worth investing in a lithium power solution, too. If you’re not sure how to assess your battery needs and discover the optimal approach, consider working with an experienced provider to get a detailed analysis and recommendation.