Lithium battery types differ based on the lithium compound used in the anode electrode. There are six different types of lithium batteries:

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP)

LFP batteries have Lithium Ferrous Phosphate (LiFePO4) as the anode material, and this is one of the most widely adopted battery technologies nowadays. The anode is made of Lithium Iron Phosphate, one of the most stable and non-toxic lithium compounds.

It results in greater thermal stability in fully charged conditions. Whereas other lithium-ion battery types tend to exhibit thermal runaway in these conditions.

Characteristics of LFP Batteries

Nominal Voltage: 3.2V-3.3V

Operating Voltage: 2.5V-3.65V

Cycle Life: 2500

Thermal Stability: up to 270°C

Charge Rate (C-Rate): 1C, typically charges to 3.65V in 3 hours

Discharge Rate (C-Rate): 1C, can be 25C in certain cells, cutoff varies between 2-2.5V

Specific Energy: 90Wh/kg to 120 Wh/kg

Advantages

Longer cycle life: three to five times longer than other types of lithium batteries.

High-quality cells: an Eco Tree Lithium battery gives you a minimum warranty of six years. With proper use, it is guaranteed that your LFP battery will last at least that long.

Made with a very stable compound of phosphate and iron. No risk of explosions or the release of toxic gases.

Wide operating range – an impressive Depth of Discharge (DoD) of about 98%-100% eliminates the danger that the battery will get damaged if discharged fully, unlike other lithium-ion batteries.

High thermal stability: LFP is the most stable battery chemistry across the entire temperature range and is guaranteed to operate safely in any application.

Disadvantages of LFP batteries

There are no particular disadvantages to LFP batteries. Some people consider the higher cost as a negative factor. However, when you evaluate the initial cost over the entire battery life cycle, LFP gives the best value for money.

Applications of LFP Batteries

Electric vehicles

Solar panels

Motorhomes and caravans

Marine batteries

Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)

Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2 or LCO) Batteries

A Lithium Cobalt Oxide battery contains a Lithium Cobalt Oxide cathode and a graphite carbon anode. The unique selling point of lithium cobalt oxide batteries is their high energy density, which makes them the best choice for some particular applications with this requirement.

LCO batteries have a significantly low specific power. This means there is a limitation to their load capability, making them unsuitable for applications such as electric vehicles.

Characteristics of LCO Batteries

Nominal Voltage: 3.6V

Operating Voltage: 3V-4.2V

Cycle Life: 500 to 1000 cycles

Thermal Stability: up to 150°C. Fully charging or overcharging increases the possibility of thermal instability.

Charge Rate (C-Rate): 0.7-1C, typically charges to 4.2V in 3 hours

Discharge Rate (C-Rate): 1C, cutoff at 2.5V. A higher discharge current will lead to a shorter cycle life.

Specific Energy: 150 Wh/kg to 200 Wh/kg

Advantages of LCO Batteries

The high energy density of LCO batteries makes them useful in situations where size is a factor. LCO batteries provide a very high output considering their small size – ideal for portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and similar devices.

Disadvantages of LCO Batteries

LCO batteries have a low lifespan. A typical LCO battery has 1/3 -1/4 the battery life of an equivalent LFP battery.

LCO batteries are not thermally stable, and this means that using these batteries at a high operating temperature is very dangerous.

Applications of LCO Batteries

Smartphones

Digital cameras

Laptop computers

Tablets

And other portable electronic devices