The Pros and Cons of Lithium Batteries

Rechargeable batteries are standard in most of our portable electronic devices, and they're also becoming increasingly more common in motorized vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries are widely popular and offer many great advantages and improvements over previous types of rechargeable batteries. It’s also important to be familiar with some of the limitations of Lithium batteries. Here’s a look at both the advantages and disadvantages. If you have any other questions, visit us at I-5 Motorsports in Chehalis, Washington. We proudly serve Portland, Oregon, Vancouver and Seattle, Washington.

Advantages of Lithium Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are popular because they offer a lot of power in a compact size. They’re lighter and smaller than other rechargeable batteries and they take a fraction of the time to charge.

Lithium batteries aren’t as vulnerable to “memory effect,” a term used to describe rechargeable batteries’ reduced energy capacity that develops after being repeatedly recharged before the battery is fully drained. Nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries are particularly vulnerable to memory effects. Lithium-ion batteries also have a much lower self-discharge rate than Nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries. What this means is that the battery retains its charge much longer when not in use. Lithium batteries have a self-discharge rate of about 1.5-3.0 percent per month compared to Nickel-metal hydride batteries’ average self-discharge rate of 20 percent per month. They also require no “conditioning” or maintenance to ensure their sustained performance and they can handle hundreds of charge-discharge cycles.

Disadvantages of Lithium Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries cost about 40% more to manufacture than nickel-metal hydride batteries, which makes them significantly more expensive. Some Lithium-ion cells and batteries are not as robust as others and might require certain precautions to avoid being overcharged or prematurely discharged. In fact, Lithium-ion batteries can explode if they get overcharged or overheated. Electrolyte decomposition inside the cell can create gas byproducts and lead to increased internal pressure. An overheated battery can physically swell, and a short circuit can also ignite the battery’s electrolytes and start a fire.

Lithium-ion batteries have a long operational lifespan and consistently have a low self-discharge rate. On the other hand, their performance will naturally degrade as they get older. After about 500-1000 charge and discharge cycles, their fully charged capacity and battery life can fall to 50% or lower. Battery life indicators on your digital display can become notoriously unreliable when you’re using an older Lithium battery.

If you have any other questions about Lithium-ion batteries or would like to see our inventory of new and pre-owned golf cars and utility vehicles for sale, visit us at I-5 Motorsports in Chehalis, Washington. We serve Portland, Oregon, as well as Vancouver and Seattle, Washington.