There are about six common chemistry of lithium batteries, all with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Lithium iron phosphate battery is the predominant one standing apart from the lithium battery ambiguous term. This chemistry has excellent safety, with great thermal stability, high current ratings, long cycle life, and tolerance to abuse.

Main Lithium-Ion technologies available on market



Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) is an extremely stable lithium chemistry when compared to almost all other lithium chemistry. The battery is assembled with a naturally safe cathode material (iron phosphate). Compared to other lithium chemistry iron phosphate promotes a strong molecular bond, which withstands extreme charging conditions, prolongs cycle life, and maintains chemical integrity over many cycles. This is what gives these batteries their great thermal stability, long cycle life, and tolerance to abuse. LiFePO4 batteries are not prone to overheating, nor are they disposed to 'thermal runaway' and therefore do not over-heat or ignite when subjected to rigorous mishandling or harsh environmental conditions.


Comparision for four different lithium batteries


The most pros of Lifepo4 battery is the high level of safety and excellent lifespan.

Lithium iron phosphate batteries do not vent dangerous gases such as hydrogen and etyoxygen. There's also no danger of exposure to caustic electrolytes such as sulfuric acid or potassium hydroxide. In most cases, these batteries can be stored in confined areas without the risk of explosion and a properly designed system should not require active cooling or venting.
Laboratory results indicate that you could expect to see 2000 to 5000 cycles out of a well cared for Lithium Iron Phosphate battery bank. Both C-Rate and Depth of Discharge (DoD) affect expected lifespan. Some recent measurement shows that a LFP battery will still deliver more than 80% of it’s capacity after 2000 cycles at 100% DoD or even 5000 cycles at 65% DoD. All these tests are done at 1C-Rate Cycles.

These cycle life results are much more better than NMC or NCA chemistries, massively used in electric vehicle industry.

In contrast, even the best deep cycle lead acid batteries are typically only good for 500-1000 cycles.

Well, Lithium batteries offer many benefits over other battery chemistries. They are a safe and reliable battery solution, with no fear of thermal runaway and/or catastrophic meltdown, which is a significant possibility from other lithium battery types. These batteries offer extremely long cycle life. With high discharge and recharge rates upwards of C/2 continuous and a round-trip efficiency of up to 98%, it's no wonder these batteries are gaining traction within the industry. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) is a perfect energy storage solution.