There are significant differences in the costs between lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries, both upfront and over time. Here’s a breakdown:
Upfront Costs
- Lead-Acid Batteries: These have lower upfront costs, typically ranging from $100 to $200 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of capacity.
- Lithium-Ion Batteries: They are more expensive initially, with costs ranging from $300 to $500 per kWh.
Total Cost of Ownership
- Lead-Acid Batteries: While cheap upfront, lead-acid batteries have shorter lifespans (typically 3-5 years or 300-500 cycles) and require more frequent replacements. This leads to higher long-term costs due to additional purchase, installation, and maintenance expenses.
- Lithium-Ion Batteries: Despite a higher initial price, lithium-ion batteries last longer (often 10 years or more and 3000-5000 cycles), reducing the need for frequent replacements. They also offer better energy density, allowing them to provide the same usable capacity with smaller sizes, and they require less maintenance.
Key Differences in Cost Factors
- Depth of Discharge (DoD): Lithium-ion batteries can be discharged up to 100%, whereas lead-acid batteries typically should not exceed 50% DoD to ensure longevity.
- Efficiency and Charging Time: Lithium-ion batteries are more energy-efficient and charge faster, reducing downtime and energy costs.
- Maintenance: Lithium-ion batteries generally require no maintenance, unlike lead-acid batteries which need electrolyte checks and periodic charging adjustments.
Overall, while lead-acid batteries are cheaper initially, lithium-ion batteries often prove more cost-effective in the long run due to their durability and efficiency.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-any-significant-differences-in-battery-costs-between-lithium-ion-and-lead-acid-batteries/
