Lithium-ion batteries have gained a lot of popularity in the electronic industry. The can be used in different types of electronics. You can find them in the following items phones, MP3 players, laptops and in PDAs. This shows that they have a wide application in the consumer electronics. They are batteries with a high power density and a long service life. Also, these batteries are environmentally friendly. These batteries have a wide range of advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of lithium-ion batteries

Low maintenance

The performances of these batteries do not require maintenance. They can operate at the optimum level without any maintenance. There are some types of batteries such as nickel-based units which cannot operate without being regularly discharged.

High energy density

Lithium –ion batteries are featured with a high power density. The high density of power gives them a high power rating irrespective of their small size. These batteries have a compact size which makes them very popular in the mobile and electronics industry.

Quick charging

Lithium –ion batteries can be charged quickly. It takes less time to e charged fully as compared to the other types of batteries. This is the main reason why these batteries are used in tablets and phones which require being regularly charged.

Light and portable

These batteries are relatively light in weight. This makes them an ideal choice for most of the mobile applications. Apart from the small items such as phone, these batteries are also popular in golf carts, and in the electric cars. They also have a wide application in other industries such as in the medical and aerospace industries.

Low self-discharge

The discharge rate of the lithium battery is lower as compared to the other batteries. The other batteries lose a significant amount of charge once they get disconnected from the source of power. For example, Nickel-cadmium battery is known for losing its charge when it is left unused.

The cons of lithium-ion batteries

Transportation

The lithium-ion battery cannot be transported easily since it has some restrictions in place. It is not possible to carry these batteries in high volume especially by air. However, you can fly with some devices having these batteries as part of your luggage.

Expensive

The process involved in making these batteries is quite expensive and long. The average cost of making the lithium-ion battery is forty percent higher when compared with the nickel cadmium one.

Circuit protection

The life span of this battery can be shortened if it is regularly overcharged. However, most of the lithium ion batteries have an-inbuilt protection for maintaining the voltage and current to ensure that they are kept within the safe limits.