When comparing the lifetime costs of lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries, several key factors must be considered:
Key Differences and Cost Factors
Initial Cost
- Lead-Acid: These batteries are generally cheaper upfront, with costs ranging from $100 to $200 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
- Lithium-Ion: More expensive initially, with costs typically between $300 and $500 per kWh.
Lifespan and Cycle Life
- Lead-Acid: Typically last for 3 to 5 years and have a cycle life of 200-400 cycles.
- Lithium-Ion: Last for 10 years or more and can handle 3,000 to 5,000 cycles.
Maintenance and Charging
- Lead-Acid: Require regular maintenance, such as checking electrolyte levels and longer charging times (6-8 hours).
- Lithium-Ion: Essentially maintenance-free, with faster charging times (2-4 hours).
Energy Density and Depth of Discharge (DoD)
- Lead-Acid: Lower energy density and typically limited to a 50% DoD.
- Lithium-Ion: Higher energy density and can safely discharge up to 100%.
Long-Term Cost Efficiency
- Lead-Acid: While cheaper upfront, they require more frequent replacements and maintenance, increasing long-term costs.
- Lithium-Ion: Despite higher initial costs, their longer lifespan and fewer replacements make them more cost-effective over time.
Lifetime Cost Comparison Example
For a 50 kWh battery storage system:
- Lead-Acid: Initial cost could be around $10,000 to $15,000. However, they may need to be replaced up to five times over an eight-year period, with total costs (replacement, transportation, installation) reaching around $78,000.
- Lithium-Ion: Initial cost might be around $20,000 for a 50 kWh system. With a lifespan of 8 years or more without replacements, total costs remain lower at about $23,000.
Overall, while lead-acid batteries are cheaper initially, the total cost of ownership is often lower for lithium-ion batteries due to their longer lifespan and reduced maintenance requirements.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-cost-of-lithium-ion-batteries-compare-to-lead-acid-batteries-over-their-lifetimes-2/
