Batteries having lithium as their anode are lithium batteries. Having introduced somewhere around 1980-1990s, these batteries have completely revolutionized the portable electronics market such as cellular telephones and laptop computers. Its high energy density and reducing prices makes it ideal to be used in electric vehicles. The lithium-ion batteries find increased applications in booming electronic, solar and EV market. The automobile batteries market alone is estimated to be worth more than $37 billion in 2020 itself. Lithium batteries are used in a wide range of portable consumer electronic devices eg. mobile phones and cameras, medical equipment eg. pacemakers, power backups, solar storage and in electric vehicles.
Also, read Advantages And Disadvantages Of Electric Vehicles
Advantages of Lithium Batteries
i) Highly energetic – Lithium batteries offer reliable, stable, long-lasting power. Their energy density is higher, which means they have high power capacity. This high energy density enables its usage in devices which have high power requirements like laptops and mobile phones.
ii) Size and Weight – Lithium batteries are generally smaller and lighter in weight. This is a big advantage which helps its application in various portable consumer electronic devices.
iii) Quicker Charge time and low discharge – Lithium batteries recharge much faster than lead-acid batteries. Moreover, their rate of self-discharge is also much lower than that of other rechargeable cells. This means they have longer shelf lives. These batteries have a lifespan of over ten years on an average. They can also handle hundreds of charge-discharge cycles.
iv) Low on maintenance – Lithium-ion batteries do not require any maintenance to ensure their performance. Few other types of batteries like nickel-cadmium cells require discharge to prevent memory effect.
Disadvantages of Lithium Batteries
i) Expensive – Though the cost of lithium-ion battery is constantly falling, it is still higher than that of Nickel-cadmium cells. However, given its large number of applications, progress is being made towards improving the technology and reducing cost.
ii) Protection against high temperature – Care is to be taken when charging lithium-ion batteries as they are sensitive to high temperatures. They require protection from being overcharged and discharged too far. Excessive heat causes faster degradation of these batteries.
iii) Natural Degradation – Lithium batteries suffer from aging. An average battery can withstand 500 – 1000 charge-discharge cycles. These batteries hence need to be replaced from time to time and can become a headache if embedded in the equipment. Storage in a cool place at 40% charge reduces the aging effect.
iv) Hazardous when transported – We have already discussed that a lithium-ion battery is sensitive to high temperatures. Some say that these can even explode when overcharged/ overheated. Hence many airlines put a limit on the number of batteries a passenger can carry. When shipped in larger quantities, transportation by water is advisable.
