We are reaching the end of winter, and though it's been fairly reasonable, there have been some very cold days this year. With that, our shop has seen its fair amount of charging system issues and questions. A couple that we get often, with all the new electric and hybrid vehicles, are: What is the difference between a lead battery and a lithium battery? Can I switch the type of battery I'm using now? Are there other types of batteries? What kind of battery does a new car have? Here, we'll take a brief look at each question:
What is the difference between lead and lithium batteries?
This question ends up being both simple and then slightly complicated to answer. Essentially, lithium-ion batteries charge faster, are lighter, last longer, and store more energy than typical lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries have a higher cost overall than lead-acid batteries, but, as stated, hold more charge and have a longer life. That being said, lithium batteries have a very strenuous impact on the environment during production. Lithium can be toxic to the people mining and the surrounding environment. Now, it is important to remember that all batteries are toxic to humans and should be properly disposed of.
Can I switch the type of battery in my car?
Yes, but not like you would if you were just replacing it. A big thing to think about when deciding to switch the type of battery in your vehicle is compatibility. Without verifying if the charging components and system can handle the new type of battery, you could lose functionality as well as damage key components to your vehicle.
Are there other types of batteries?
Yes! Beyond lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, there are also AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat), Gel Cell (more for golf cars and some RVs), EFB (Enhanced Flooded), and Nickel Metal Hydride batteries (mainly used in hybrid and electric vehicles). Typically your vehicle's "Owner's Manual" will inform you of the proper type of battery for your vehicle.
What kind of batteries do new cars use?
This all depends on the type of vehicle that you use. You'll find that most vehicles that have a "Stop/Start" function or "Push to Start" button will have an AGM battery, while most hybrid or all-electric vehicles will have the lithium-ion or nickel metal hydride batteries. Additionally, you will find that a lot of models still use lead-acid batteries. Once again, it is always beneficial to consult your dealer, owner's manual, or your friends here at Minnesota Automotive when looking to verify the type of battery that is best for your vehicle.
Sources:
https://www.trawlerforum.com/threads/swapping-agm-batteries-for-lithium-lifepo4.70377/#:~:text=Joined%20Mar%201%2C%202020%20Messages,Last%20edited:%20Nov%2029%2C%202023
https://www.enduropowerbatteries.com/blogs/how-to/converting-to-lithium-batteries#:~:text=Converting%20to%20lithium%20batteries%20offers,benefits%20of%20lithium%20battery%20technology!
https://www.optimabatteries.com/experience/blog/what-type-of-battery-is-a-car-battery#:~:text=Probably%20not%2C%20at%20least%20for,SPIRALCELL%20lead%2Dacid%20AGM%20battery.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5920515/#:~:text=billion%20in%202014.-,1,2%2C3
https://climate.mit.edu/ask-mit/how-much-co2-emitted-manufacturing-batteries#:~:text=The%20production%20process&text=Currently%2C%20most%20lithium%20is%20extracted,are%20emitted%20into%20the%20air.
https://greenly.earth/en-us/blog/ecology-news/the-harmful-effects-of-our-lithium-batteries#:~:text=The%20Paradox%20of%20Lithium%20Batteries,materials%20and%20mitigate%20environmental%20harm.
https://batteryuniversity.com/article/bu-703-health-concerns-with-batteries
https://ackodrive.com/car-guide/types-of-car-batteries/
https://www.rlchevy.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-car-batteries/
https://www.power-sonic.com/blog/lithium-vs-lead-acid-batteries/#:~:text=The%20second%20most%20notable%20difference,SLA%20in%20a%20cyclic%20application.
https://skill-lync.com/blogs/top-10-differences-between-lead-acid-batteries-and-lithium-ion-batteries#:~:text=Both%20Lithium%2Dion%20and%20Lead,opposite%20reaction%20occurs%20while%20charging.
https://battlebornbatteries.com/why-lead-acid-batteries-are-not-sustainable-and-alternatives-are-needed/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/rrapier/2019/10/13/lead-acid-batteries-are-on-a-path-to-extinction/#:~:text=The%20reason%20for%20this%20is,health%20risks%20with%20lead%20acid