Electric cars are often equipped with a large lithium-ion battery. Conventional cars with a combustion engine have a battery on board that consists of various materials. Common types are batteries with lead, AMG, gel or lithium. A lithium battery is a relatively new type of battery. You have a Li-Ion or LiFePO4 battery. What is such a Lifepo4 Battery Pack?

Origin of Lithium

In 1817 Lithium was discovered by the Swedish chemist Johan August Arfwedson. The material has the abbreviation Li on the periodic table. Arfwedson initially spoke of 'litho' which means 'stone' in Greek. The silver-white alkali metal has a high energy density and is therefore well suited for use in batteries.

The foregoing is also the reason that lithium was rarely used for heavier applications. In 1996, however, a new lithium chemistry was developed, Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP). The LiFePO4 cells have a lower energy density and are many times safer than LiCoO2 cells. When we look at the benefits of LiFePO4, there is actually no reason to choose a different battery technology.

Light weight

A lithium battery is a relatively new type of battery. Lithium batteries can be deeply discharged and are very lightweight. Often a manufacturer - not only of cars but also of bicycles - chooses a Li-Ion battery. The reason is simple. A Li-Ion battery is cheaper for manufacturers and the replacement battery is more profitable. A more durable and better, but more expensive alternative is a LiFePO4 battery.

Choose LiFePO4 battery

You can choose to invest in a more expensive LiFePO4 battery. LiFePO4 batteries are a variant of lithium batteries. There is a choice of different amperages for this type of battery. LiFePO4 batteries are approximately 95 percent discharged.

A LiFePO4 battery may be a bit more expensive, but it is the most popular and best type of lithium battery on the market. Batteries with LiFePO4 technology have cells with a lithium iron phosphate substance. As a result, they have no environmentally harmful raw materials. The organic salts phosphate, iron and lithium are not harmful to the environment and can be reused as fertilizers.

A LiFePo4 battery has a similar characteristic to a conventional battery, also with regard to safety. Also taken nicely: they have only one third of the usual weight.

Resistant to higher temperatures

LiFePO4 technology is chemically more stable and non-flammable compared to lithium-ion. They can also withstand higher temperatures without decomposition occurring. They also have a longer lifespan.

Low discharge rate

Also a nice bonus: a LiFePO4 battery is a non-toxic material and does not emit hazardous or dangerous fumes. LiFePO4 batteries also have a low discharge rate. This means that they can be left standing for months without becoming empty or causing permanent damage. The lifespan of a LiFePO4 battery is better, and this type of battery charges faster.

Battery charger

There are battery chargers that can charge all types of batteries, but the range is not very large. Often a description is given with a battery charger or trickle charger for which types of batteries they are suitable.