No doubt, you’ve heard the scores of potential advantages associated with lithium batteries; they are lighter, more compact, more powerful, charge faster, and last longer, among many others.
But perhaps you’ve also heard some of the detractors from these, chiefly that there are those who claim that lithium batteries are not only patently unsafe, but that they produce a much higher risk of overheating and fire.
To a point, LiFePO4 batteries, a specific class of lithium ion batteries, change that dynamic. In many ways they are considered safer than other types of lithium batteries. Here’s what you should know.
What Is a LiFePO4 Battery?
A LiFePO4 battery is a special type of lithium ion battery that contains a lithium-iron-phosphate chemistry. Also called LFP batteries, they represent a relatively new rechargeable technology that, like other lithium batteries, is renowned for its longevity, power, and overall performance. However, LiFePO4 batteries are also highly regarded for their safety, especially compared to other types of lithium-ion batteries.
Are They Really Safer?
LiFePO4 batteries are made with a unique chemistry of lithium-iron-phosphate, as stated, and this chemistry is considered much more stable than the chemistry of some other types of lithium ion batteries.
Notably the chemical and mechanical structure of LiFePO4 batteries renders them unlikely to heat up to unsafe levels, or to experience the thermal runaway that can create dangerous conditions, and fires, in other lithium ion batteries.
Part of this has to do with the unique chemistry; even if a LiFePO4 battery is overcharged, the bonds of the lithium-iron-phosphate are much more stable. When other compounds, like cobalt-oxide, are overcharged, the bonds become unstable and break down, releasing heat. This is where the danger occurs.
Another important thing to note about lithium-phosphate cells is that they are not combustible and that they are also highly resistant to extreme temperatures, which further improves upon their safety. Safety can be further improved by using a lithium battery that has a BMS, or battery management system, that helps ensure the battery doesn’t overheat during charging.
For what it’s worth, safety in these lithium batteries goes beyond this – LiFePO4 batteries are also made without rare earth metals and are considered non-toxic, which makes them a relatively environmentally friendly choice, too.
Is There Anything Else Important to Know About LiFePO4 Batteries?
While these lithium batteries are touted for their safety, there are some other unique features that give them an edge as well.
For instance, compared to other types of lithium-ion batteries, LiFePO4 lithium batteries are reliable even in extreme temperatures, including extreme cold. This sets them apart from other lithium batteries.
Even though lithium-ion batteries are generally considered to have excellent lifespans, LiFePO4 batteries set a higher standard, and are considered to be even longer-lasting than other types of lithium batteries.
Like other lithium batteries, though, LiFePO4 options offer many of the same benefits, including high energy density, smaller and more compact size, and lower weight. Like other lithium batteries, they exhibit a low self-discharge rate and also don’t off-gas like lead-acid batteries, which also improves on their safety.
Where Can You Learn More?
Interested in learning more about LiFePO4 batteries and other types of lithium-ion batteries or RVs, golf carts, boats, solar systems, and other applications? Visit BigBattery. They carry a wide range of lithium batteries for an equally diverse range of applications. They’re also available to answer your questions about lithium battery technology if you’re not sure how to proceed. Visit their website for more information or get in touch with their customer service team directly if you need additional help.
