The advantages of replacing lead-acid batteries with lithium batteries are as follows:

Performance improvement

• Higher energy density: The energy density of lithium batteries is usually 3 to 4 times that of lead-acid batteries. This means that lithium batteries can store more electrical energy under the same volume and weight conditions, and thus can provide a longer driving range for equipment. For example, in the field of electric bicycles, vehicles equipped with lithium batteries have a significantly better endurance ability than those with lead-acid batteries, which can better meet users’ daily travel needs.
• Longer cycle life: Generally speaking, the cycle life of lithium batteries can reach more than 1,000 times, which is much higher than the 300 – 500 times of lead-acid batteries. This indicates that lithium batteries can withstand more charge-discharge cycles and have a longer service life, resulting in better economic benefits in the long run.
• Better charge-discharge performance: Lithium batteries have high charge-discharge efficiency and relatively fast charging speed. Moreover, they perform better when discharging at high currents. For example, some power tools that require high-power output can obtain stronger power when using lithium batteries.

Weight and volume optimization

• Lighter weight: The weight of lithium batteries is approximately more than 40% lighter than that of lead-acid batteries. For portable devices such as electric bicycles and electric scooters, using lithium batteries can make the vehicles lighter and easier to carry and operate. In some application scenarios with strict requirements on weight, such as drones, the lightweight advantage of lithium batteries is particularly obvious.
• Smaller volume: The volume of lithium batteries is about 40% smaller than that of lead-acid batteries. This makes it possible to utilize space more flexibly when designing and installing batteries. Especially for some equipment with limited space, such as small electric cars and electric motorcycles, the installation and use of batteries can be realized without changing the appearance and structure of the vehicles.

Improved convenience in use

• Lower self-discharge rate: The self-discharge rate of lithium batteries is usually within 1% – 3% per month, while that of lead-acid batteries may be around 5% – 10% per month. If the equipment is not used for a long time, lithium batteries can maintain a relatively high level of power, and there is no need to charge them frequently when they are used again.
• No memory effect: Lithium batteries have no memory effect and can be charged at any time without worrying about the impact of the charging method on the battery capacity, making them more convenient to use.

Better environmental protection

• More environmentally friendly components: Lead-acid batteries contain a large amount of harmful substances such as lead and sulfuric acid. If not properly handled during production, use, and recycling processes, they will cause serious pollution to the environment. In contrast, the components of lithium batteries are relatively more environmentally friendly and cause less harm to the environment.
• Relatively simple recycling treatment: Although the recycling of lithium batteries also requires certain technologies and equipment, compared with lead-acid batteries, the secondary pollution generated during the recycling process is relatively less. Moreover, with the continuous development of technology, the recycling efficiency and resource utilization rate of lithium batteries are constantly improving.

Considerable economic benefits

• Lower maintenance cost: Lead-acid batteries need to be regularly added with distilled water and checked for the liquid level and concentration of the electrolyte during the use process, and the maintenance work is rather cumbersome. However, lithium batteries basically do not require such maintenance, saving maintenance costs and time.
• Advantages in comprehensive use cost: Although the initial purchase cost of lithium batteries may be higher than that of lead-acid batteries, due to their advantages such as long cycle life, high energy density, and low self-discharge rate, the comprehensive use cost of lithium batteries may be lower than that of lead-acid batteries in the long-term use process. Especially for some equipment with high usage frequency and high requirements for driving range, the economic benefits of using lithium batteries are more significant.