In 1912, lithium batteries were designed however it wasn’t until 1990 when they were declared good enough to enter the mass market level. Lithium batteries can be manufactured in different sizes and shapes, which results in them being customized to the ready space in the gadget for which they are supposed to be used. Lithium batteries are lighter compared to others in their level, this is because of the material used, and the high open-circuit voltage likened to other batteries.
Lithium batteries are light in weight which makes them the most preferred ones in these high tech days of mobile devices and handheld devices. Memory effect does not affect lithium batteries. The memory effect is where other batteries that are rechargeable, in case they discharge before recharging, they don’t hold their full energy ability over time meaning that the charge they hold is low. Lithium batteries do not have radical rates of self-discharge like other batteries only 5% every month unlike 30% in other kinds of batteries.
Consumer and portable electronics do so well with lithium batteries. Military, aerospace, and automobile applications are the other beneficiaries of lithium batteries fast recharge cycle and high performance. The lightweight and small nature of lithium batteries makes a better option over other batteries in the market. Lithium batteries compact size makes them the best for different electronic gadgets. Unlike other kinds of batteries in the market, lithium batteries have a high energy density. There is a lot of power provided by lithium batteries despite their small size. The high energy offered by lithium batteries makes them ideal for gadgets and devices that are hungry for power such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Lithium batteries have a low self-discharge rate meaning they have a long shelf-life when compared to other batteries of their kind.
The fast charge cycle found in lithium batteries is the other advantage that makes them quite popular among daily used gadgets such as mobile phones and tablets. Lithium batteries charge time is only a fraction of other like batteries. Over several thousand discharges and charge cycles can be complete by lithium batteries. Lithium batteries, however, can report a reduction in capacity.
For instance, if lithium batteries complete over 1000 discharge and charge cycles it means that they will lose 30% capacity. This loss in capacity is however dependent on the brand of lithium batteries. The most advanced lithium batteries have 5000 discharge to charge levels to completion. Unlike other batteries lithium batteries cost more. Unlike other batteries lithium batteries cost 40% more. Lithium batteries are expensively priced because they are combined with on-board computer circuitry that helps to control voltage and current.