Lithium batteries have become the go-to power source for just about every portable device. From your laptop to your cellphone, chances are there is a slim lithium battery sandwiched in there giving the required juice to make your device go. Lithium batteries are chosen for a variety of reasons, but they are not without their limitations. Let’s take a look at some of the pro’s and con’s of the most popular battery on the planet.
Lithium Ion Battery Advantages
Energy Density of Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries pack a lot of punch in a small package. That makes them ideal for things like mobile devices, embedded systems and laptop computers. A big reason you can fit your mobile easily in your pocket is thanks to the amazing power-to-size ratio of lithium batteries.
Low Lithium Battery Self-Discharge
Have you ever had a pack of AA batteries that’s been sitting on a shelf for a while, and when you go to use it, the batteries are dead? That’s because of a phenomenon called “self-discharge.” Lithium batteries have less than half the self-discharge rate of traditional nickel-based batteries — which means lithium batteries can sit without use for a long time, and still power up when called upon.
High Lithium Ion Battery Current Output
That new fancy electric drill or impact driver you bought takes a lot of oomph to drive a drill bit through a concrete wall. The power of lithium makes that possibility. Lithium batteries are capable of very high current, meaning that can provide the energy needed to make your electric drill powerful enough to be a reliable tool.
Lithium Ion Battery Disadvantages
Lithium Ion Battery Cost
Lithium batteries are much pricier to manufacturer than nickel-cadmium batteries. That price premium is then passed on to the consumer — meaning a lithium battery is going to cost you.
Lithium Ion Battery Cycle Life
Have you ever noticed how your phone just doesn’t last as long as it used to? That’s because lithium batteries age, even when they are not being used (and faster when they are being used). So over time, you’ll need to replace your lithium battery if you really want it to last. Not an issue if your device’s battery is easily accessible, but if it’s not (iPhone — we’re looking at you), that can be a hassle.
Lithium Battery Safety
Generally speaking, lithium batteries are quite safe. Comparing the number of lithium batteries out there to the issues, all signs point towards them being very safe. But there have been a few incidences involving them overheating and causing fires. This can particularly happen if two batteries make contact and cause a short between them. Because of their high energy density, that produces a lot of heat -- which is not a good thing. Mostly this just means taking care when transporting and storing lithium batteries, but it is an overall shortcoming of the technology. In fact, the FAA recently announced lithium batteries would not be allowed in checked baggage.
Overall, the positives of lithium batteries far outweigh the negatives, which is why lithium batteries continue to the be the leader in portable power sources for just about every consumer and embedded device.