What is the Difference Between LiFePO4 and Lithium-Ion Batteries?
Nov 09,2022 Basen
LifePO4 stands for Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery, here is a need to understand the concept that, every LifePO4 battery is a kind of lithium-ion battery but every Lithium-ion battery can’t be a LifePO4 battery. LifePO4 is a type of battery with lithium chemistry containing lithium iron phosphate as the cathode and uses graphite carbon as the anode.
These batteries are also known as non-combustible batteries due to their thermal and structural stability which is why they are also called the safest batteries with lithium technology. Their energy density is relatively low than other lithium technology batteries.
As mentioned earlier, lithium iron phosphate batteries are actually a type of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium iron phosphate and ternary lithium battery are both common types of lithium-ion batteries. Here we directly compare lithium-ion batteries as ternary lithium batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries.
Both of these batteries are different from each other in the following features; voltage, size, energy density, price, performance, applications, and storage. All of these features are described individually to analyze how different these lifepo4 vs lithium ion are from each other.
LifePO4 battery features
The energy density, voltage, and other characteristics of the LifePO4 battery are given below in the chart which gives us information about the important features of this battery.
Specified Energy |
90 – 160 watthour/kg |
Energy Density |
325 Wh/L |
Specified Power |
Approximately 200 watt/kg |
Self-Discharging Rate |
3.5% per month |
Time Longevity |
Greater than10 year |
Cycle Longevity |
3000-6000 cycle |
Nominal Cell voltage |
3.2 Volts |
According to the chart, the specific energy of the LifePO4 battery is 90-160 wh/kg and its energy density is 325wh/L and its specific power is 200W/ kg. Its time durability is About 10 years and life cycle is up to 6000 cycles, and its nominal cell voltage is 3.2 V.
Now we discuss the characteristics of the lithium-ion battery and try to know what is difference between the lifepo4 vs lithium ion battery.
Lithium-ion battery features
Like the features of the LifePO4 battery, the features of the lithium-ion battery are also given in the chart so that we can know the difference between these two batteries.
The lithium-ion battery has 100-265 w.h/kg specific energy and it has 250-693 W.h/L energy density and its specific power is 250-340 W/kg. Its charge efficiency is 80-90%, it’s self-discharge rate is 3.5% per month. Its cycle durability is 400-1200 cycles and its nominal cell voltage is 3.6 V.
Specified Energy |
100 W.h/kg – 265 W.h/kg |
Energy Density |
250 W.h/L – 693 W.h/L |
Specified Energy |
250 – 340 Watt/Kg |
Self-Discharging Rate |
3-5% per month |
Cycle Longevity |
400 – 1200 Cycle |
Cell Nominal Voltage |
3.6/3.7/3.8/3.85 Volts |
Storage of lifepo4 vs lithium ion
Both batteries have good storage capacity but the life shelf of the LifePO4 battery is about 2 years.
Temperature in lifepo4 vs lithium ion
LifePO4 battery is used where safety is concerned because this battery can experience high temperatures but on the other hand, the lithium-ion battery can’t bear high temperatures as LifePO4 can bear, that is why LifePO4 is used in those devices which work on high temperatures and lithium batteries are used in those devices which work in low temperature.
Applications of lifepo4 vs lithium ion
LifePO4 batteries are used where safety s concerned and these batteries are also used in Energy storage devices with low energy density and long-term operation, as well as commercial vehicles. Some suitable devices for LifePO4 battery are:
● Powerwall
● Photovoltaic
● Electric bus
● Military applications
But lithium-ion battery is used in high-end passenger car. Some of its applications are given below
● Electric vehicles and motors
● SUV
It was the main difference and comprehensive analysis of both lifepo4 vs lithium ion battery.
lifespan of lifepo4 vs lithium ion
According to the day, it is observed that the life span of a lithium-ion battery is 2000 cycles and if it has well cared it may last as long as 3000 cycles. In other words, its expected lifespan is five years. On the other hand, the LifePO4 Solar battery achieves more than 4000-time life cycles in other words the expected life span of the LifePO4 battery is 10 years.
According to the data, it is observed that the LifePO4 battery has a longer lifespan than a lithium-ion battery. Everything depends upon its battery material and battery manufacturing process and usage.
Easier to maintain in lifepo4 vs lithium ion
LifePO4 batteries are very safe due to their structural and thermal stability. They require very little maintenance as they do not catch fire in case of damage and these batteries are also environmentally friendly. Ternary lithium has a lower ignition point when subjected to impact and high temperature. Therefore, the protection requirements for lithium-ion batteries are very high to prevent accidents.
The advantages of lifepo4 vs lithium ion
- Advantages of lifepo4 battery
Compared with other batteries of the same specification, the weight of lifepo4 is lighter and the volume is smaller. It does not contain any harmful metals. LiFePO4 is environmentally friendly. One thing that is very important in its features is that the life cycle of this battery is quite good and it lasts with a very low average. This battery is also known for its safety features. At the same time, the battery is capable of operating in extremely harsh temperatures.
- Advantages of Lithium-ion battery
Lithium-ion batteries, like other batteries, have some unique features, the first of which is their high energy density. And that’s why their self-discharge rate is so low that they last a long time. They do not need much care to ensure their performance.
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