Is Lithium-ion the same as LiFePO4?

A lithium-ion battery usually uses lithium cobalt dioxide (LiCoO2) or lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4) as the cathode. Whereas, a lithium-iron battery, or a lithium-iron-phosphate battery, is typically made with lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) as the cathode.

Which is better Li ion or LiFePO4?

There are significant differences in energy when comparing lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate. Lithium-ion has a higher energy density at 150/200 Wh/kg versus lithium iron phosphate at 90/120 Wh/kg. So, lithium-ion is normally the go-to source for power hungry electronics that drain batteries at a high rate.

How long does a LiFePO4 battery last?

LiFePO4 chemistry lithium cells have become popular for a range of applications in recent years due to being one of the most robust and long-lasting battery chemistries available. They will last ten years or more if cared for correctly.

How many cells does a LiFePO4 battery have?

4 cells
LiFePO4 batteries are the safest lithium battery type currently available on the market today. The nominal voltage of a LiFePO4 cell is 3.2V when comparing to sealed lead acid, which consists of 2V cells. A 12.8V battery therefore has 4 cells connected in series and a 25.6V battery has 8 cells connected in series.

Can LiFePO4 batteries explode?

In general, lithium iron phosphate batteries do not explode or ignite. LiFePO4 batteries are safer in normal use, but they are not absolute and can be dangerous in some extreme cases. It is related to the company’s decisions of material selection, ratio, process and later uses.

Why are LiFePO4 batteries so expensive?

Their cost is mostly determined by the Co used not the lithium. Manufacturers are reducing the Co used with newer technology. Demand is intense and that demand is now keeping the price of batteries high.

What happens if you overcharge a LiFePO4 battery?

In a lithium-ion battery, overcharging can create unstable conditions inside the battery, increase pressure, and cause thermal runaway. Lithium-ion battery packs are required to have a protection circuit to prevent excessive pressure build-up and cut off the flow of ions when the temperature is too high.

Are LiFePO4 batteries any good?

LiFePO4 (also known as Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries are a huge improvement over lead acid in weight, capacity and shelf life. The LiFePO4 batteries are the safest type of Lithium batteries as they will not overheat, and even if punctured they will not catch on fire.

What voltage is LiFePO4 battery?

Each LiFePO4 cell has a NOMINAL voltage of 3.3V. A fully charged LiFePO4 cell is 3.6V, and a fully depleted LiFePO4 cell is 2.5V. Most LiFePO4 chargers and balancing equipment are based using a battery’s nominal voltage rating as a parameter.

Can you use a LiFePO4 battery in a car?

LFP4 (LiFePO4) 4 cell batteries do make excellent replacements for normal 12V lead acid car batteries BUT proper attention to care and feeding is necessary to achieve the very long cycle and calendar lifetimes that they are capable of.

Why are LiFePO4 batteries safe?

LiFePO4 batteries have a longer cycle life, and the fact that they are rechargeable makes them sustainable. In essence, you can keep using a LiFePO4 batter over and over again. LiFePO4 is a nontoxic material and doesn’t give off dangerous or hazardous fumes, which makes it safe for you and the environment too.

Do LiFePO4 batteries explode?