LiFePO4 vs. Lithium Ion Batteries: What's the Best Choice ...

29 Jul.,2024

 

LiFePO4 vs. Lithium Ion Batteries: What's the Best Choice ...

The battery industry has advanced rapidly in recent years, making superior technologies more affordable. Lithium iron phosphate (also known as LiFePO4 or LFP) is the latest development in this rapidly changing industry.

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The LFP battery type has come down in price in recent years &#; and its efficiency has dramatically improved. It&#;s surpassing lithium-ion (Li-ion) as the battery of choice for many applications, including off-grid and solar power &#; and even Electric Vehicles (EVs). 

LiFePO4 batteries are similar to Li-ion but have significant advantages that make them the ideal option for consumer-grade backup power solutions. 

How Do the Chemistries of LiFePO4 and Lithium Ion Batteries Differ?

LiFePo4 and Li-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that use lithium ions to harness and release electrical energy. While they are similar in many ways, they also exhibit some glaring differences. 

LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) Batteries

LiFePO4 batteries are a subtype of lithium-ion batteries that utilize unique chemistry to provide advantages over related lithium technologies. They&#;re becoming increasingly common in off-grid and backup power solutions like the EcoFlow Power Kits.

LFPs get their name from the chemical composition of the cathode, which consists of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4). The anode is typically carbon; the electrolyte is a lithium salt in an organic solvent.

The chemistry of LiFePO4 provides enhanced safety features compared to lithium-ion. The presence of iron, phosphorous, and oxygen atoms in the cathode creates strong covalent bonds. The result is that the battery is more stable and less prone to thermal runaway and overheating issues.

Crucially, LiFePO4 batteries do not use nickel or cobalt &#; two metals in dwindling supply and often questionably sourced.

Lithium Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries comprise a variety of chemical compositions, including lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), and lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2).

These batteries all have three essential components: a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte. The electrolyte for these batteries is lithium salt, whereas the anode is carbon. The cathode is where the chemistries differ&#;they consist of one of the lithium metal oxides that give them their respective names.

The charging and discharging processes are the same for all of these. As the lithium ions move from the cathode to the anode, the electrons migrate in the opposite direction. This movement creates an electrical current.

LiFePO4 vs. Lithium Ion Batteries: How Do They Compare?

Safety

LiFePO4 batteries are safer than Li-ion due to the strong covalent bonds between the iron, phosphorus, and oxygen atoms in the cathode. The bonds make them more stable and less prone to thermal runaway and overheating, issues that have led to lithium-ion batteries having a reputation for a higher risk of battery fires.

Stability is why LFPs are the standard in off-grid and solar power applications. When the batteries are in the home, there is no room for error concerning overheating and other issues. Homeowners can confidently store their LiFePO4 battery in the house without worrying about fire safety issues. 

Energy Density

Li-ion batteries typically have a higher energy density than LFPs. The energy density of a battery is a measure of how much energy it can store per unit of volume or weight. Li-ion batteries can store more power per volume or weight unit than LFPs.

For example, the energy density of a typical Li-ion battery is around 45&#;120 Wh per lb (100-265 Wh per kg), while the energy density of a LiFePO4 battery is about 40&#;55 Wh per lb (90-120 Wh per kg). The expansive energy density range of Li-ion batteries is due to this statistic encompassing all types of Li-ion batteries, including technologies only suitable for electric cars and other applications. 

For off-grid power solutions, LiFePO4 remains supreme, even when considering the slightly lower energy density. This difference is negligible as you move into larger stationary power solutions. For instance, the EcoFlow Power Kits are set-it-and-forget-it battery solutions. You won&#;t notice a slight difference in energy density. 

Weight

The weight of a battery bank has some correlation to energy density, as mentioned above. LiFePO4 battery banks may weigh slightly more than comparable Li-ion batteries, while some LFPs may be lighter because the metals used in their construction are lighter. 

Either way, any slight variation in weight pales in light of the other enormous advantages of LFPs. 

Li-ion batteries with higher energy densities&#;such as nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) and nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM)&#;are no longer considered ideal for off-grid and solar applications. Instead, home power solutions use safer, longer-lasting technologies like LiFePO4. A safer battery is more important than a slight difference in weight. 

LFPs are still incredibly light, considering how much power they pack. The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station contains Wh of energy storage capacity. It weighs only 27 lbs (12 kg) &#; light enough to comfortably carry around the house or toss in the back of a car. 

Temperature Range

LiFePO4 batteries offer a wider operating temperature range. They can function well in temperatures ranging from -4°F (-20°C) to as high as 140°F (60°C). 

In contrast, Li-ion batteries have a much smaller temperature range of 32°F (0°C) to 113°F (45°C). Users need to store Li-on batteries in climate-controlled spaces during the depths of winter or the heat of summer. 

LiFePO4 batteries are safe to store in the house, shed, garage, or other indoor space without air conditioning. They&#;re less susceptible to temperature changes, giving you more options for locating the battery without potential damage or reduced efficiency. 

Lifespan

Many Li-ion batteries can go through around 500 charge and discharge cycles before degrading in performance. LiFePO4 batteries can go through thousands of cycles before their performance begins to drop. 

For example, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station has a charge cycle rating of cycles before it reaches 50% capacity. Smaller options tend to have lower lifespans, such as the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Portable Power Station, which has a cycle life rating of 80%+ capacity after cycles. However, that is still a reliable lifespan. After this time, the battery will still function at a minimum of 80% of the original 768 Wh capacity. Even after this slight drop in performance, you may still receive years of use from your LFP battery bank! 

This much longer lifespan means that LiFePO4 will reduce the environmental impact resulting from e-waste. The lack of nickel and cobalt also makes them more environmentally friendly. 

You can use your LFP battery bank for 5 or 6 times longer than a Li-ion model, and you won&#;t waste money on replacements.

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Cost

The cost per watt-hour of LiFePO4 and Li-ion batteries can vary wildly depending on the manufacturer, market demand, and capacity. LiFePO4 batteries don&#;t use nickel or cobalt, materials that can fluctuate dramatically in supply and price.

LiFePO4 is still a relatively new battery chemistry, meaning there are fewer manufacturers and less supply, which can make LiFePO4 batteries slightly more expensive Wh for Wh.

However, it is possible to find affordable options for LFP batteries. The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Portable Power Station is one example. With a 256Wh LiFePO4 battery, it costs less than $1 per Wh. 

Even if there is a slightly higher cost than comparable Li-ion battery packs, the advantages of LFP outweigh the price difference. Any extra costs go toward added safety, longer lifespan, and other invaluable benefits. 

Self-Discharge Rate

LiFePO4 batteries have a self-discharge rate of around 1-3% per month, depending on usage, temperature, and other factors. The low self-discharge rate means you can leave the battery in storage for months. It will still supply substantial power even after a period of disuse.   

To follow best practices, top off your battery at least every few months to keep it optimized for use. 

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Voltage

LiFePO4 batteries have a lower nominal voltage than Li-ion batteries, typically around 3.2V per cell, compared to 3.6V to 3.7V per cell for Li-ion batteries. 

The voltage can impact the design of battery packs and the voltage requirements of devices that use them.

Is LIFEPO4 Better Than Lithium-Ion?

LiFePO4 surpasses lithium-ion in safety, boasting a longer lifespan and greater thermal stability, making it ideal for prolonged use. While lithium-ion may be initially cheaper and require less upkeep, its susceptibility to overheating poses risks. Choose LiFePO4 for durable, safe off-grid power solutions with minimal environmental impact.

LiFePO4 vs. Lithium Ion Batteries: Which One Is Right for You?

If you want to invest in a battery bank that you can use off-grid regularly, LiFePO4 is the right choice. The added safety features alone make it worth the investment &#; you won&#;t have to worry about the thermal runaway and overheating risks associated with Li-ion batteries. 

The longer lifespan also makes LFP batteries the clear frontrunner. With a cycle life over five times as long, your LiFePO4 battery banks will still be running long after comparable Li-ion batteries have reached the end of their lifespan. You will save yourself money in the long run and minimize battery e-waste.

Plus, you can turn any LiFePO4 portable power station from EcoFlow into a solar generator by adding one or more solar panels! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Lithium Ion Battery the Same as a Lithium Iron Battery?

No, a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery differs from a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. The two batteries share some similarities but differ in performance, longevity, and chemical composition. LiFePO4 batteries are known for their longer lifespan, increased thermal stability, and enhanced safety. LiFePO4 batteries also do not use nickel or cobalt.

Final Thoughts

LiFePO4 is a subtype of Li-ion battery that improves the safety, lifespan, and optimal temperature range of off-grid power solutions. They&#;re the clear choice for anyone wishing to power devices and appliances off-grid while saving on long-term costs and limiting the environmental impact. 

EcoFlow is a leading manufacturer of portable power stations and solar generators. You can expect safe, reliable, and long-lasting products with LiFePO4 batteries as the standard in the EcoFlow RIVER 2, EcoFlow DELTA 2, EcoFlow DELTA Pro, and Power Kits.

Lithium Iron Phosphate Vs. Lithium-Ion: Differences and ...

When using power sources to run embedded components, it's not always simple to pop in a fresh set of batteries. Newer technologies, from smartphones to electric vehicles to portable power tools, require batteries that can hold a significant amount of energy, be lightweight enough to carry or move, and be safe for the user. Lithium batteries offer all these benefits for portable electronics, vehicles, medical equipment, and even grid energy storage.

Lithium-ion and Lithium iron phosphate are two types of batteries used in today's portable electronics. While they both share some similarities, there are major differences in high-energy density, long life cycles, and safety. Most people are familiar with lithium-ion as they most likely own a smartphone, tablet, or PC. Lithium iron phosphate is a newer type of battery gaining recognition in the manufacturing industries due to its cost-effective materials and stability with high temperatures.

Chemistries of Lithium Iron Phosphate and Lithium-Ion

Charge and discharge rates of a battery are governed by C-rates. The capacity of a battery is commonly rated at 1C, meaning that a fully charged battery rated at 1Ah should provide 1A for one hour. The same battery discharging at 0.5C should provide 500mA for two hours, and at 2C it delivers 2A for 30 minutes.

Lithium-Ion

Lithium-ion can consist of two different chemistries for the cathode, lithium manganese oxide or lithium cobalt dioxide, as both have a graphite anode. It has a specific energy of 150/200 watt-hours per kilogram and a nominal voltage of 3.6V. Its charge rate is from 0.7C up to 1.0C as higher charges can significantly damage the battery. Lithium-ion has a discharge rate of 1C.

Example of lithium-ion battery cells.


Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)

Lithium iron phosphate has a cathode of iron phosphate and an anode of graphite. It has a specific energy of 90/120 watt-hours per kilogram and a nominal voltage of 3.20V or 3.30V. The charge rate of lithium iron phosphate is 1C and the discharge rate of 1-25C.

Example of lithium iron phosphate battery cells.


What are the Energy Level Differences?

There are significant differences in energy when comparing lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate. Lithium-ion has a higher energy density at 150/200 Wh/kg versus lithium iron phosphate at 90/120 Wh/kg. So, lithium-ion is normally the go-to source for power hungry electronics that drain batteries at a high rate.

On the other hand, the discharge rate for lithium iron phosphate outmatches lithium-ion. At 25C, lithium iron phosphate batteries have voltage discharges that are excellent when at higher temperatures. The discharge rate doesn't significantly degrade the lithium iron phosphate battery as the capacity is reduced.

Life Cycle Differences

Lithium iron phosphate has a lifecycle of 1,000-10,000 cycles. These batteries can handle high temperatures with minimal degradation. They have a long life for applications that have embedded systems or need to run for long lengths of time before needing to be charged.

For lithium-ion, the higher energy density makes it more unstable, especially when dealing with higher operating temperature environments. It has a life cycle of 500-1,000 cycles as it can be negatively impacted based on the operating temperature of the electronics or working components.

Long-Term Storage Benefits

When it comes to storing unused batteries, it is important to pick a chemistry that doesn't lose its charge over long periods of time. Instead, the battery should give close to the same charge performance as when it is used for over a year. Both lithium iron phosphate and lithium ion have good long-term storage benefits. Lithium iron phosphate can be stored longer as it has a 350-day shelf life. For lithium-ion, the shelf life is roughly around 300 days.

Safety Advantages of Lithium Iron Phosphate

Manufacturers across industries turn to lithium iron phosphate for applications where safety is a factor. Lithium iron phosphate has excellent thermal and chemical stability. This battery stays cool in higher temperatures. It is also incombustible when it is mishandled during rapid charges and discharges or when there are short circuit issues. Lithium iron phosphate does not normally experience thermal runaway, as the phosphate cathode will not burn or explode during overcharging or overheating as the battery remains cool.

However, the chemistry of lithium-ion does not have the same safety advantages as lithium iron phosphate. Its high energy density has the disadvantage of causing the battery to be unstable. It heats up faster during charging as a lithium-ion battery can experience thermal runaway.

Another safety advantage of lithium iron phosphate involves the disposal of the battery after use or failure. A lithium-ion battery made with a lithium cobalt dioxide chemistry is considered a hazardous material as it can cause allergic reactions to the eyes and skin when exposed. It can also cause severe medical issues when swallowed. So, special disposal considerations must be made for lithium-ion. On the other hand, lithium iron phosphate is nontoxic and can be disposed of more easily by manufacturers.

Applications for Lithium Iron Phosphate and Lithium-Ion

Lithium iron phosphate is sought after for any electronics or machines where safety and longevity are desired but doesn't need an extremely high energy density. Electric motors for vehicles, medical devices, and military applications where the technology will experience higher environmental temperatures. Lithium iron phosphate is also ideal for applications that are more stationary as the battery is slightly heavier as well as bulkier than lithium-ion, although it can be used in some portable technologies.

Lithium iron phosphate may not be selected for applications where portability is a major factor due to its extra weight. For smartphones, laptops, and tablet devices, lithium-ion batteries are used. Any high-energy device that needs the best performance on the first day can benefit from the chemistry found on lithium-ion batteries.

Besides looking for the right energy sources based on portability, safety and energy density, manufacturers also must consider the costs during the production of electronics as well as during disposal. Many manufacturers will select lithium iron phosphate as the cheaper battery alternative. The batteries cost less due to the safer iron phosphate chemistry as manufacturers don't have to spend more money to recycle the materials.

Lithium Offering a Range of Benefits

Advances in battery technologies has placed lithium chemistry at the head of the pack for being the best power source for high energy use devices that are portable. It's long shelf life and the benefit in providing a continuous source of power over long periods of time is why both lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate are reliable alternatives.

Currently, lithium batteries are still on the pricey side when compared to nickel metal hydride and nickel cadmium batteries. Yet, the long life of lithium batteries can equal out the initial high costs. For manufacturers trying to decide whether lithium-ion or lithium iron phosphate will be ideal for applications, consider these key factors:

  • Highest energy density: lithium-ion
  • Good energy density and lifecycle: lithium iron phosphate
  • Stable chemical and thermal chemistry: lithium iron phosphate
  • No thermal runaway and safe when fully charged: lithium iron phosphate
  • Portability and lightweight characteristics: lithium-ion
  • Long life: lithium iron phosphate and lithium-ion
  • Low costs: lithium iron phosphate

Also, take the operating environment into serious consideration as well as any vibration issues that may be experienced. These instances may influence a manufacturer's choices as the chemistry stability that lithium iron phosphate offers are superior than that of lithium-ion.

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