Lithium-ion batteries are a much newer innovation that has increased the most popular in recent years, as they are proven to be valuable in powering small or big electronics. Among these, the LiFePO4 lithium batteries have taken off, because they are not only safer but had many advantages over other lithium batteries, particularly for high-power applications. In this article, we would discuss the advantages and disadvantages of mainstream lithium batteries and explore why LiFePO4 lithium batteries are the best.

What’s LifePO4 Battery

LiFePO4 battery refers to a lithium-ion battery that uses lithium iron phosphate as the positive electrode material. The key benefits are a high current rating and long cycle life, besides good thermal stability, enhanced safety, and tolerance if abused. 

How the lithium batteries are Named

In the industry, we usually use the positive electrode material to name the battery. The negative electrode is generally made of graphite. The lithium cobalt oxide battery uses lithium cobalt oxide as the positive electrode material. Similarly, lithium iron phosphate battery uses Lithium iron phosphate material for positive electrodes.

Pros & Cons of Other Lithium Batteries

The members of lithium batteries also include:

▲ Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO22)

The high specific energy makes LiCoO22 widely used to power cell phones, laptops, and digital cameras. The disadvantages of lithium cobalt oxide are a relatively short lifetime, low thermal stability, and limited load capacity (specific power). 

▲ Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2)

Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt battery, abbreviated as NMC battery, is a popular choice for power tools, e-bikes, and other electric powertrains. It delivers strong overall performance, excellent specific energy, and the lowest self-heating rate, which makes it the preferred option for automotive batteries.

▲ Lithium Titanate (LTO)

The lithium-titanate (LTO) battery is faster to charge than other lithium-ion batteries but has a much lower energy density. LTO batteries are more used in car audio applications as well as mobile medical devices.

▲ Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMn2O4)

Lithium Manganese batteries can be discharged at a current of 20-30A with moderate heat accumulation, and the battery temperature does not exceed 80°C. They are more used in power tools, medical devices, and hybrid and pure electric vehicles. The capacity of lithium manganate is about one-third lower than that of lithium cobalt. 

▲ Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (LiNiCoAlO2)

It delivers high specific energy, reasonably good specific power, and a long life span. Less flattering are safety and cost. It’s most suited for use in moderate-rate applications that require high energy density, such as Medical devices, industrial, electric powertrains (Tesla)

How LiFePO4 Batteries Develop

Phosphate was first discovered as cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries in 1996 at the University of Texas. When scientists found that cathode materials are better alternatives for lithium-ion batteries by offering good electrochemical performance with low resistance. High current rating, increasing thermal stability, enhanced safety, environment-friendly, and long cycle life - all sorts of pros and LiFePO4 lithium batteries are born.

Today, we can see LiFePO4 lithium batteries taking charges everywhere, especially in portable and stationary needing high load currents and endurance: RVs, trolling motors, bass boats, car audios, home solar systems, golf carts, electric motorcycles, vehicles, and more on/off-grid applications.

LiFePO4 batteries cost less than most of their alternatives over time for more cycle times to ensure a longer lifespan, and they are shaping a very bright future for the lithium battery industry.

But What Makes the LiFePO4 Lithium Battery A Better Choice?

Let’s break down 10 advantages of LiTime LiFePO4 lithium iron phosphate batteries:

The LiTime LiFePO4 lithium iron phosphate battery pack is equipped with an intelligent battery management system (BMS), which fully utilizes the advantages of lithium batteries such as high energy density, good temperature performance, and superior charging and discharging performance. It is green, safe, reliable, truly maintenance-free, and delivers a super long service life.

★High energy density, compact size, and lightweight save greatly in installation space.

★4000+ cycle life, 10+ years long service life, high return on investment the whole life cycle.

★Safe and reliable battery system, from cell selection, BMS safety management, thermal management and control, PACK process, fire early warning and fire linkage, etc., to create a safe and reliable battery system.

★Lithium iron phosphate battery does not contain heavy metals and acid, nor any elements that harm the human body and the environment. It complies with EU RoHS regulations and is environmentally friendly.

★Good temperature performance, can adapt to a wide temperature range of -20℃-55℃, saving the operating cost of the battery.

★Superior charge and discharge performance, which can meet the different needs of customers for charge and discharge rates.

★No memory effect, truly maintenance-free, effectively reducing maintenance costs.

★Have a "heart" and a "brain" to truly realize intelligent management.

★Supports connections in series/parallel for the needs of different voltage levels and different capacities.

★It can directly replace the lead-acid battery. The usage and wiring methods are the same as the conventional lead-acid battery, and it can be seamlessly connected to the original power system.

LiFePO4 lithium batteries are ideal for everyday use as home backup power. They also have incredible advantages for RVs, travel trailers, trolling motors, fishing boats, kayaks, and more.