The lifespan comparison between lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries shows a significant difference in both years of use and charge cycles.
Lithium-ion batteries:
- Typically last about 2 to 10 years depending on usage patterns and environmental conditions.
- Average cycle life ranges from 300 to over 2,000 cycles, with some lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) variants achieving thousands of cycles (3,000 to 5,000 partial cycles in some cases).
- Manufacturers generally expect at least 5 years or 2,000 charging cycles from lithium-ion batteries when well maintained.
Lead-acid batteries:
- Usually last about 3 to 5 years.
- Have significantly fewer charge cycles, roughly 200 to 300 full cycles before capacity degrades substantially.
Summary Table
| Battery Type | Typical Lifespan (Years) | Typical Charge Cycles | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium-ion | 2 to 10 | 300 to 2,000+ | LiFePO4 types have longer cycles (3,000-5,000 partial cycles) |
| Lead-acid | 3 to 5 | 200 to 300 | Shorter cycle life, more maintenance required |
Overall, lithium-ion batteries typically outlast lead-acid batteries by a factor of 2 to 3 in both calendar life and number of charge cycles, making them a more durable and longer-lasting choice for many applications.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-lifespan-of-lithium-ion-batteries-compare-to-lead-acid-batteries-3/
