Lithium iron phosphate batteries convince through high current capability with high safety in combination with high cycle stability. They are particularly durable and safe.
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Lithium iron phosphate batteries are a type of lithium ion battery with a cell voltage of 3.2 V or 3.3 V. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) is used as cathode material in place of conventional lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2). The anode is made of graphite or hard carbon with intercalated lithium. LiFePO4 was first used in 1997 as cathode material for lithium ion batteries. It replaces the commonly used lithium cobalt cathode. The main reasons to use it as a replacement are improved environmental performance and higher reliability. The main applications of this technology include military, electric mobility, storage, and mobile devices with a focus on safety, such as in medical technology.
Compared to traditional lead-acid batteries, lithium iron phosphate technology offers numerous advantages: It is significantly more durable, requires no maintenance, and allows for almost complete discharge without loss of performance. While lead-acid batteries often reach only about 300 charging cycles, LiFePO₄ typically achieves over 2,000 cycles. Furthermore, they do not contain toxic heavy metals like lead, making disposal easier and more environmentally friendly. Charging times are shorter, and operational safety is considerably higher thanks to the stable cell chemistry.
The charging end voltage is generally at 3.6 to 3.65 Volts, the discharge voltage is between 2.8 to 2.5 volts. The high cycle stability of this system is especially advantageous, it significantly exceeds the possible number of cycles of conventional lithium ion batteries with 1000 to 2000 cycles. Moreover, very high charge and discharge currents are possible. Unlike traditional lithium ion cells with lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), no oxygen will be released in the event of an error. This can cause thermal leakage in other types of lithium-ion batteries, which can result in the burning of the cell under adverse conditions. This is less likely with lithium iron phosphate batteries.
Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium iron phosphate technology offers significant technical advantages: LiFePO₄ cells typically achieve over 2,000 charging cycles, while lead-acid systems usually last only 200–550 cycles. The charging efficiency is over 95%, resulting in shorter charging times and lower energy losses. In addition, LiFePO₄ batteries are maintenance-free, whereas lead-acid batteries require regular care, such as topping up with water. Thermal stability is also considerably higher in LiFePO₄, which increases operational safety and minimizes the risk of gas formation or fire. Despite higher initial costs, the overall lifetime costs are generally lower.