Why replace Lead Acid Batteries with LiFePO4 Batteries?

Thanks to the successful strategic cooperation between Epower and Chinese top battery cell manufacturers including EVE and BYD, we are able to provide the best hearts for our LiFePO4 battery packs, with the highest quality, stabability and duration. With the cut-down cost of Lithium, more and more global projects are gradually replace the old Lead Acid batteries into new LiFePO4 batteries, from which they can enjoy much better effectiveness of cost and energy recycling.     

Performance parameters:

Energy density: Lithium iron phosphate batteries have higher energy density. Generally speaking, the energy density of lead-acid batteries is 30-50Wh/kg, and the volume energy is 60-90Wh/L; while the mass energy of lithium iron phosphate batteries can reach 100-150Wh/kg, and the volume energy is 200-250Wh/L. This means that at the same weight and volume, lithium iron phosphate batteries can store more electrical energy and provide longer driving range for devices. For example, electric vehicles will have a better driving range using lithium iron phosphate batteries.

Cycle life: Lithium iron phosphate batteries have a longer cycle life. The cycle life of lead-acid batteries is usually around 300-500 times, while the cycle life of lithium iron phosphate batteries can reach more than 2,000 times, which is more than 4 times that of lead-acid batteries. If the battery is used frequently and needs to be charged repeatedly for a long time, the advantages of lithium iron phosphate batteries will be more obvious.

Discharge characteristics: The discharge characteristics of lithium iron phosphate batteries are more stable. For the same fully charged battery, the discharge output characteristics of the lead-acid battery are quite different when the discharge current is used at different rates at the same temperature, while the discharge output characteristics of the lithium iron phosphate battery are very stable. This enables the lithium iron phosphate battery to provide more stable power output in different usage scenarios.

Safety:

Chemical properties: The chemical properties of lithium iron phosphate batteries are more stable. In the case of overcharging, short circuit, etc., lead-acid batteries may overflow internal sulfuric acid, causing equipment corrosion and personal injury accidents. However, lithium iron phosphate batteries do not contain any heavy metal elements that are harmful to the human body. They do not explode or catch fire in experiments such as puncture, extrusion, overcharging, and short circuit, and are safer.

Battery structure: The structure of the lead-acid battery is relatively simple, but the electrolyte inside it is a sulfuric acid solution. If the battery shell is broken or poorly sealed, it is easy to leak. The packaging technology of lithium iron phosphate batteries is relatively more advanced, which can better prevent the leakage of substances inside the battery and reduce safety risks.

Weight and volume:

Weight: Lithium iron phosphate batteries are lighter. Lead-acid batteries are heavier, usually 2-3 times heavier than lithium iron phosphate batteries. For example, in the field of electric bicycles, the use of lithium iron phosphate batteries can reduce the weight of the vehicle, making it easier for users to ride and carry.

Volume: Lithium iron phosphate batteries are smaller in size. Due to their high energy density, lithium iron phosphate batteries with the same amount of power can be much smaller than lead-acid batteries, which is an important advantage for devices with limited space, such as small electronic devices, electric vehicles, etc., and can make better use of space.

Price:

Initial purchase cost: The initial purchase cost of lead-acid batteries is low. Generally speaking, the price of lead-acid batteries is relatively cheap, which makes it still competitive in some cost-sensitive application scenarios, such as entry-level products for electric bicycles, backup power supplies, etc.

Long-term use cost: The long-term use cost of lithium iron phosphate batteries may be lower. Although the initial purchase price of lithium iron phosphate batteries is high, due to their long cycle life and high energy density, they do not need to be replaced frequently during long-term use, and can save more electricity. Therefore, on the whole, the long-term use cost may be lower than that of lead-acid batteries.

Environmental protection:

Production process: A large amount of heavy metal lead and waste liquid will be generated during the production process of lead-acid batteries. If not handled properly, it will cause serious pollution to the environment. The production process of lithium iron phosphate batteries is relatively more environmentally friendly, does not contain harmful substances such as heavy metals, and has less impact on the environment.

Recycling: The lead in lead-acid batteries can be recycled and reused, with a high recycling rate, which is in line with the concept of circular economy. The recycling technology of lithium iron phosphate batteries is also constantly developing and improving, but the current recycling system is not as mature as that of lead-acid batteries.