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Which is better, automotive lead-acid or lithium batteries?
2024-03-13

   Automotive lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which one depends on specific needs and budget. Lead-acid batteries are relatively inexpensive, have mature technology, are more expensive to recycle, and have better performance with their high rate discharge. However, lead-acid batteries are heavier and bulkier, have a lower energy density, a relatively shorter range, and a shorter service life. In contrast, lithium batteries are slightly more expensive, but have high energy density, light weight, small size, long range and longer service life. In addition, lithium batteries also have the advantages of high and low temperature adaptability, green and environmental protection. However, the safety and stability of lithium batteries is relatively poor, and there may be a risk of explosion when improperly operated. If the budget is limited or there are high requirements for high rate discharge performance, lead-acid batteries may be more suitable. However, if higher energy density, longer range and longer service life are pursued, lithium batteries are a better choice. Regardless of which battery you choose, you should pay attention to safe use to avoid accidents.

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   With the rapid development of the automotive industry, the types and performance of batteries for automobiles have also become the focus of attention for consumers and manufacturers. In the current market, automotive lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries are two common automotive power sources. They each have different characteristics and scope of application, this article will be a detailed analysis of the performance characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of these two types of batteries, to help consumers better understand and choose the right type of battery for their cars.


Characteristics and application of automotive lead-acid batteries

   Automotive lead-acid batteries are a traditional type of batteries with mature production technology and a wide range of applications. Its advantages are mainly manifested in the lower cost, mature production and recycling channels, and relatively small pollution of the environment. And one of the most representative products is the starter-lighting-ignition (SLI) lead-acid battery, which is mainly used for automobile starting and electrical system power supply.

   The basic structure of a lead-acid battery consists of a positive and negative plate, an electrolyte, and a partition. The positive plate is mainly composed of lead dioxide, while the negative plate is spongy lead. During discharge, the lead compounds on the positive and negative plates are converted to lead sulfate, and during charging they are converted back to their original substance.

   Despite the advantages of lead-acid batteries such as low cost, they also have a number of shortcomings, such as lower energy density, limited cycle life (typically 300-500 cycles) and heavier weight. In addition, lead-acid batteries perform poorly in extreme temperatures, require regular maintenance, and have problems with possible damage from over-discharge.


The advantages of lithium batteries in the automotive field

   Lithium batteries are a new type of batteries that have been developing rapidly in the automotive field in recent years, which use lithium metal or lithium alloy as the anode material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The advantages of lithium battery are high energy density, light weight, long cycle life and excellent high and low temperature performance.

   Lithium batteries have more than three times the energy density of lead-acid batteries, which means that lithium batteries are capable of storing more electrical energy in the same volume or weight. Lithium batteries typically have a cycle life of more than 1,000 cycles, and many high-quality lithium batteries can even reach more than 5,000 cycles. The lighter weight also allows lithium batteries to be widely used in electric vehicles where weight reduction is required.

   In addition, lithium batteries charge and discharge faster, and there is no memory effect, simplifying the maintenance process. Moreover, lithium batteries have a wider operating temperature range than lead-acid batteries, resulting in better environmental adaptability. In terms of environmental protection, lithium batteries do not contain heavy metals and harmful substances, more in line with contemporary green requirements.


Car battery choice: lead-acid or lithium batteries?

   For automotive consumers, when choosing between lead-acid or lithium batteries, you need to comprehensively consider your needs and budget. If the budget is limited or the battery performance requirements are not high, lead-acid batteries are an affordable choice. Lead-acid batteries are suitable for some traditional fuel vehicles, especially when the engine needs to be started frequently.

   For consumers seeking long-term economic benefits and environmental protection, lithium batteries are undoubtedly a better choice. Despite the higher upfront investment, lithium batteries are able to bring more economic benefits in the long term by virtue of their higher energy density, longer service life and lower long-term maintenance costs. In addition, new energy models such as electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids mostly use lithium batteries as power sources, so the application of lithium batteries in the field of new energy vehicles is very promising.

   Lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries have their own advantages and disadvantages, and consumers should make appropriate choices based on their own usage needs, affordability, and knowledge of environmental protection when purchasing car batteries. With the continuous progress of battery technology and the gradual reduction of costs, it is expected that the proportion of lithium batteries in the future market will be higher and higher, thus contributing to the development of the automotive industry and environmental protection.