Question

What alternatives are there to Li-ion batteries and what are their advantages and disadvantages?

Answer 1

Advantages

• High energy density - potential for yet higher capacities.
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• Does not need prolonged priming when new. One regular charge is all that's needed.
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• Relatively low self-discharge - self-discharge is less than half that of nickel-based batteries.
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• Low Maintenance - no periodic discharge is needed; there is no memory.
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• Specialty cells can provide very high current to applications such as power tools.

Limitations

• Requires protection circuit to maintain voltage and current within safe limits.
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• Subject to aging, even if not in use - storage in a cool place at 40% charge reduces the aging effect.
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• Transportation restrictions - shipment of larger quantities may be subject to regulatory control. This restriction does not apply to personal carry-on batteries.
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• Expensive to manufacture - about 40 percent higher in cost than nickel-cadmium.
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• Not fully mature - metals and chemicals are changing on a continuing basis