Which is better, lithium battery or lead-acid battery? Each has its own advantages and disadvantages

November 13, 2024

In modern society, batteries have become an indispensable part of our lives. Whether it is electric vehicles, mobile phones, notebooks or other electronic devices, they are inseparable from the support of batteries. Among the many types of batteries, lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries are undoubtedly the two most well-known ones. They each have unique advantages and disadvantages and are suitable for different scenarios and needs. Next, let’s discuss the advantages and disadvantages of lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries in detail.

  1. Lead-acid batteries are safer

In recent years, electric vehicle spontaneous combustion incidents have occurred from time to time, which has aroused people’s high attention to battery safety. According to surveys, most of these spontaneous combustion incidents are related to lithium batteries. The internal density of lithium batteries is large and the heat resistance is relatively poor. Once overheated, such as long-term use in summer or charging for too long, exceeding its load temperature, it may cause spontaneous combustion. Especially for inferior lithium batteries, its safety issues are more prominent.

In contrast, lead-acid batteries show higher stability. Due to their different internal structures and working principles, lead-acid batteries rarely spontaneously combust and can maintain a relatively stable state even in extreme cases. Therefore, from the perspective of safety, lead-acid batteries are undoubtedly better.

  1. Lead-acid batteries are affordable and cost-effective

For ordinary consumers, in addition to performance, price is also a very important factor when buying electric vehicles. In this regard, lead-acid batteries have shown obvious advantages. Generally speaking, the price of lead-acid batteries of the same type is only about one-third of that of lithium batteries, which makes it very cost-effective in the market.

Although lithium batteries have advantages in terms of range and weight, for most people, practicality and ease of use are the primary considerations for buying electric vehicles. At present, most people in the market ride luxury large or small buses, which are large enough to accommodate batteries, so the lower-priced lead-acid batteries naturally become a better choice for ordinary people.

  1. Lithium batteries have a long service life and high durability value

Although lead-acid batteries have advantages in price and safety, they are not as good as lithium batteries in terms of service life. Generally speaking, the service life of lithium batteries of the same model is about twice that of lead-acid batteries. This means that when buying an electric vehicle, if you choose a model equipped with a lithium battery, although the initial investment cost is high, in the long run, it can save more battery replacement costs and time costs.

  1. Lithium batteries have a long range and are suitable for new energy vehicles

In addition to long service life, lithium batteries also show obvious advantages in terms of range. The range of lithium batteries of the same model is much higher than that of lead-acid batteries, which makes it an ideal choice for new energy vehicles. New energy vehicles have higher requirements for battery range due to the need for long-term driving. The high energy density and long range of lithium batteries can just meet this demand.

Even the graphene battery, which is relatively expensive among lead-acid batteries, does not necessarily have a longer range than lithium batteries. Therefore, with the continuous development and growth of the new energy vehicle market, the demand for lithium batteries will continue to grow.

  1. Lithium batteries are light and easy to extract

In addition to the advantages of the above aspects, lithium batteries are also light in weight. This is very suitable for users who pursue small and lightweight electric bicycles. Choosing lithium batteries as a power source can make electric bicycles lighter and more flexible, and it is also convenient for users to extract and replace batteries.

In addition, in some special scenarios, such as when the battery needs to be frequently moved or transported, the lightweight and portability of lithium batteries can also bring more convenience and comfort to users.

In summary, lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries have their own advantages and disadvantages and are suitable for different scenarios and needs. When choosing a battery, we need to weigh and choose according to our actual situation and needs. Whether in terms of safety, price, service life, mileage or weight, both batteries have their unique advantages and applicable scenarios. Therefore, when buying electric vehicles or other electronic devices, we need to fully understand the performance and characteristics of various batteries in order to make a more informed choice.

Finally, it should be pointed out that with the continuous advancement and development of science and technology, more advanced and better performing battery products may appear in the future. Therefore, we need to maintain an attitude of attention and learning, and keep abreast of the latest battery technology and development trends in order to better cope with future challenges and opportunities.