Battery Cell Comparison

The figures on this page have been acquired by a various number of sources under different conditions. Battery cell comparisons are tough and any actual comparison should use proven data for a particular model of battery.

Batteries perform differently due to the diverse processes used by various manufacturers. Even another model cell from the same manufacturer will perform differently depending on what they are optimized for.

You should also take into consideration the actual application in which the battery is being used. This can dramatically affect a battery's performance, so there are many factors to consider when choosing a battery cell for your product.

For more information, see our blog post on how to select the type of cell to use in your battery pack.


Comparison of Energy Density in Battery Cells

This battery comparison chart illustrates the volumetric and gravimetric energy densities based on bare battery cells.

Comparison of Energy Density in Battery Cells

Photo Credit: NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration


Energy Density Comparison of Size & Weight

The below battery comparison chart illustrates the volumetric and specific energy densities showing smaller sizes and lighter weight cells.

Battery Cell Energy Density


Specifications by Battery Chemistry

Specifications Lead Acid NiCd NiMH Li-ion
Cobalt Manganese Phosphate
Specific Energy Density (Wh/kg) 30-50 45-80 60-120 150-190 100-135 90-120
Internal Resistance (mΩ) <100
12V pack
100-200
6V pack
200-300
6V pack
150-300
7.2V
25-75
per cell
25-50
per cell
Life Cycle (80% discharge) 200-300 1000 300-500 500-1,000 500-1,000 1,000-2,000
Fast-Charge Time 8-16h 1h typical 2-4h 2-4h 1h or less 1h or less
Overcharge Tolerance High Moderate Low Low. Cannot tolerate trickle charge
Self-Discharge/month (room temp) 5% 20% 30% <10%
Cell Voltage (nominal) 2V 1.2V 1.2V 3.6V 3.8V 3.3V
Charge Cutoff Voltage (V/cell) 2.40
Float 2.25
Full charge detection
by voltage signature
4.20 3.60
Discharge Cutoff Voltage (V/cell, 1C) 1.75 1.00 2.50-3.00 2.80
Peak Load Current
Best Result
5C
0.2C
20C
1C
5C
0.5C
>3C
<1C
>30C
<10C
>30C
<10C
Charge Temperature -20 to 50°C
-4 to 122°F
0 to 45°C
32 to 113°F
0 to 45°C
32 to 113°F
Discharge Temperature -20 to 50°C
-4 to 122°F
-20 to 65°C
-4 to 149°F
-20 to 60°C
-4 to 140°F
Maintenance Requirement 3-6 Months
(topping charge)
30-60 days
(discharge)
60-90 days
(discharge)
Not required
Safety Requirements Thermally stable Thermally stable, fuse protection common Protection circuit mandatory
In Use Since Late 1800s 1950 1990 1991 1996 1999
Toxicity Very High Very High Low Low

Not Sure What Your Best Cell Option Is?

Ready to make a choice for your next battery cell but not sure what is the best option? Dive into our comprehensive guide to selecting the right type of cell for your project. Contact us today to talk with a member of our engineering team.

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