Lead acid battery technology is the traditional battery technology which have been using since many years whereas Lithium battery technology is called latest technology which is invented in recent era and continuously formulated and tested to further push the limits the of today’s battery technology.  Both of the batteries are used in same field such as Telecom industry, Solar / Wind energy, Uninterrupted power supply system, Data center, Medical equipment, Electric Vehicle system etc. In spite of being used in same applications there are numerous differences between Lithium battery and Lead acid battery system.

1. Definition:
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery also considered as Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) is a type of rechargeable battery, specifically a lithium-ion battery, using LiFePO4 as the cathode material, and a graphitic carbon electrode with a metallic backing as the anode.
Lead acid batteries are relatively simple in design. Dissimilar metal plates are immersed in an electrolyte solution consisting of sulfuric acid and water. These are then insulated from each other with a permeable, non-conductive material, which allows the transfer of ions.
2. Chemical reactions:
The principle difference between a lithium battery and a lead acid is the chemical reactions of the materials used in the electrodes and electrolyte. Most current lithium batteries use a metal oxide for cathode and a carbon based material for anode. The electrolyte solution is a lithium salt dissolve in an organic solvent. On the other hand, a lead acid battery uses lead dioxide for the cathode, a lead anode, and a form of sulfuric acid as the electrolyte.
3. Life span:
The life span of Lithium ion system is 15+years with longer cycle life more than 3000 cycles @100% DOD whereas Lead acid provides only  5~7 years design life with 200~400 cycles @ 100% DOD .
4. Size and weight
Lithium battery is much lighter in weight with higher energy density compared to lead acid battery. The weight and volume of a lithium battery is only 30% and 40% respectively of equivalent lead acid battery which saves installation space and does not require any battery room.
5. Faster recharge:
Lithium battery can be easily fully charged within very short time due to large amps charging acceptance. It can achieve up to 90% charge within 1hour whereas Lead acid needs 10-12 hours to get recharged fully .
6. Lower TCO
It is said that the installation cost of Lithium battery is 1.5 to 3times more than Lead acid batteries but on the operating expense (OPEX), the lithium ion system has a clear advantage. The life span of Lithium ion system is double (or more) than VRLA systems. Over a 15 year period, VRLA would have to be replaced like 2-3 times whereas Lithium does not require any replacement. So the TCO of Lithium battery is 10-40% less than that of a VRLA battery.

The other major advantages of lithium battery are pointed below which save significant money and ensure low TCO over Lead acid battery-
• Lighter weight ensures no labor cost
• High temperature sustainability ensures no extra cooling cost
• High energy density in less volume confirms no separate battery room
• Faster recharge saves utility cost
• Maintenance free design ensures no frequent man power cost for maintenance
• Long shelf life up to 2 years saves both electricity and additional man power cost

Do you agree with us? What else advantages make you choose Lithium ion battery system over traditional Lead acid battery? Please share your valuable opinion here.