Lithium vs. Lead: Battery Technologies Compared - Summary
Two battery technologies dominate the market: lead-acid (the classic) and lithium-ion (the modern standard).
Comparison Table
| Property | Lead-Acid | Lithium-Ion |
|---|---|---|
| Energy density | 30-50 Wh/kg | 150-250 Wh/kg |
| Cycle life | 500-1,000 | 3,000-10,000 |
| Depth of discharge | 50-60% | 80-100% |
| Efficiency | 80-85% | 90-95% |
| Weight | Heavy | Light |
| Cost | Lower upfront | Higher upfront, lower lifetime |
| Maintenance | Requires some | Maintenance-free |
When to Use Which?
Lead-Acid:
- Off-grid systems with limited budget
- Backup power with infrequent use
- Cold environments
Lithium-Ion:
- Home storage systems
- Daily cycling applications
- Space-limited installations
- Long-term cost optimization