The energy density of lithium-ion batteries is generally higher than many other common rechargeable battery types, making them a popular choice for applications requiring lightweight and compact energy storage.
Energy Density Comparison
| Battery Type | Gravimetric Energy Density (Wh/kg) | Volumetric Energy Density (Wh/L) |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Acid | 30 – 50 | — |
| Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) | 45 – 80 | — |
| Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) | 60 – 120 | — |
| Lithium-Ion (typical) | 150 – 260 | 300 – 700 |
| Lithium-Polymer (Li-Po) | 100 – 200 | 200 – 400 |
| Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) | 90 – 120 | 180 – 240 |
| Advanced Lithium-Ion (record) | Up to 711.3 (gravimetric) | 1653.65 (volumetric) |
- Typical lithium-ion batteries have gravimetric energy densities ranging between about 150 to 260 Wh/kg, significantly higher than lead acid (30-50 Wh/kg), nickel-cadmium (45-80 Wh/kg), and nickel-metal hydride batteries (60-120 Wh/kg).
- Lithium-polymer variants, a subset of lithium-ion technology with a flexible form factor, have slightly lower energy densities, around 100-200 Wh/kg, trading off some energy density for design flexibility.
- Lithium iron phosphate batteries, known for their safety and longevity, have even lower energy densities around 90-120 Wh/kg but are preferred in applications where stability is critical.
- Recent advancements in lithium-ion battery technology have pushed the gravimetric energy density record up to about 711 Wh/kg and volumetric energy density above 1600 Wh/L, far exceeding traditional lithium-ion cells. This is achieved by optimized cell design minimizing auxiliary materials and maximizing active material proportion.
Summary
Lithium-ion batteries generally offer the highest energy density among commercially available rechargeable batteries, typically 2 to 5 times greater than older technologies like NiMH or NiCd. Advanced research is continuously improving their density further. This makes lithium-ion technology the leading choice for portable electronics, electric vehicles, and grid storage where weight and volume constraints are critical.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-energy-density-of-lithium-ion-batteries-compare-to-other-battery-types-2/
