The difference between lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) and lithium batteries.


2025-02-13

The main differences between lithium iron phosphate batteries and lithium batteries lie in aspects such as cathode materials, chemical properties, application fields, energy density, cycle life, safety, and cost.
Cathode materials and chemical properties
Lithium iron phosphate battery: Uses lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material and is a type of lithium-ion battery. Its chemical properties are stable, making it less likely to catch fire or explode, and it can withstand overcharging to 100% without catching fire or exploding.
Lithium battery: Includes lithium metal or lithium alloy as the anode material and uses a non-aqueous electrolyte solution. Due to the highly reactive chemical properties of lithium metal, processing, storage, and usage have high environmental requirements, and reaching specified values can cause swelling or even explosion.
Application fields
Lithium iron phosphate battery: Mainly used in large electric vehicles, light electric vehicles, electric tools, etc. Due to its high safety, it is often used in situations with high safety requirements.
Lithium battery: Widely used in mobile and wireless electronic devices, electric tools, hybrid and electric vehicles, etc. Due to its high energy density, it is suitable for applications that require high energy density.
Energy density and cycle life
Lithium iron phosphate battery: The energy density is generally between 140-180Wh/kg, and the cycle life can exceed 2000 times, with some products even reaching 5000 times. It is suitable for applications that require frequent charging and discharging.
Lithium battery: Has a higher energy density, usually between 180-250Wh/kg, and a cycle life of about 2500 times. It is suitable for scenarios with high endurance requirements.
Safety and cost
Lithium iron phosphate battery: High safety, does not catch fire or explode when punctured, and can withstand overcharging to 100% without catching fire or exploding. It does not contain precious metals, making it lower in cost.
Lithium battery: Relatively poor safety, can swell or even explode when reaching specified values. Uses various materials, has high processing requirements, and is higher in cost.