Types of batteries
Review a comparison of common battery types, their uses, and environmental impact.
LiPo (Lithium Polymer)
Common Uses: Rechargeable power source in portable electronic devices
Advantages: Low-maintenance; doesn’t require to be discharged; High energy density; Ideal for slim form factors; flexible form factor; Higher level of safety compared to Lithium Ion batteries
Relative Cost: High
Energy Density: 100-130 Wh/kg
Environmental Impact: Low
Materials: Manganese Dioxide, Lithium, Copper
Li-Ion (Lithium Ion) battery
Common Uses: Rechargeable power source in portable electronic devices such as laptops and small digital cameras
Advantages: Lightweight; Low-maintenance; doesn’t require to be discharged; High energy density; Ideal for slim form factors
Relative Cost: High
Energy Density: 100-130 Wh/kg
Environmental Impact: Low
Materials: Manganese Dioxide, Lithium, Copper
Subject to transportation regulations
Requires a protection circuit
Lead Acid Battery
Common Uses:
Provide high current for cars and machinery.
Advantages: Low-maintenance; Capable of high discharge rates; Inexpensive to manufacture
Relative Cost: Low
Energy Density: 30-50 Wh/kg
Environmental Impact: High
Materials: Lead Sulphate; Lead
NiCd (Nickel Cadmium) battery
Common Uses: Rechargeable power source for portable devices like power tools, radios and medical equipment
Advantages: High number of charge/discharge cycles; Simple and safe transportation; Fast charging and long shelf life
Relative Cost: Low
Energy Density: 45-80 Wh/kg
Environmental Impact: High
Materials: Nickel Oxide-Hydroxide, Cadmium, Potassium Hydroxide
NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride)
Common Uses:
Electric vehicles and digital cameras
Advantages: No transportation regulations; Higher capacity compared to NiCad; Higher voltage
Relative Cost: Medium
Energy Density: 60-120 Wh/kg
Environmental Impact: Low
Materials: Nickel Oxide-Hydroxide, Rare earth metals, Cobalt
Energy density
The amount of energy stored within a given weight or volume. The measurements in our table above show energy density in terms of Wh/Kg -- Watthours per kilogram. One watt-hour per kilogram is equal to 3600 joules per kilogram.
Resources from Battery University
Raw materials used in batteries: An overview of the technologies and environmental and health impacts. Lots of information to help you understanding the impact of certain battery types.
Li-Ion and Li-Po compared
