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.
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.
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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