The lifespan of lithium-ion batteries generally exceeds that of nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries in both years and charge cycles.
Lithium-ion battery lifespan:
- Typically last between 2 to 10 years depending on usage and conditions.
- Cycle life ranges from about 300 up to 3,000 charge-discharge cycles, with many manufacturers guaranteeing at least 500 to 2,000 cycles before capacity declines to 80%.
Nickel-cadmium battery lifespan:
- NiCd batteries usually offer around 500 to 1,000 cycles under typical usage.
- Their calendar life tends to be shorter than lithium-ion, commonly around 1 to 5 years depending on usage and storage conditions (though exact data varies).
Comparison:
| Feature | Lithium-ion Batteries | Nickel-cadmium Batteries |
|---|---|---|
| Typical lifespan (years) | 2 to 10 years (up to 20 in some cases) | Around 1 to 5 years |
| Cycle life (charge cycles) | 300 to 3,000 (typical 500–2,000) | Around 500 to 1,000 |
| Capacity retention | Maintains ~80% capacity after rated cycles | Capacity fades faster due to memory effect and degradation |
| Environmental impact | Less toxic, more environmentally friendly | Contains toxic cadmium, harder to dispose |
In summary, lithium-ion batteries tend to last longer in both operational years and cycle count compared to nickel-cadmium batteries. Lithium-ion also suffers less from memory effect degradation, contributing to their extended usable lifespan. This makes lithium-ion the preferred choice in most modern applications requiring durability and longevity.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-lifespan-of-lithium-ion-batteries-compare-to-nickel-cadmium-batteries-2/
