When you’re considering the ideal composition of your battery pack, there are lots of things to examine. And one of the most important decisions you need to make is which battery cells to include. To help you understand which is best, here, we introduce the differences between nickel metal hydride and lithium-ion cells, and present a list of pros and cons for each.
What are nickel metal hydride cells?
Nickel metal hydride cells have been around for more than 100 years. They are typically used in consumer goods and are available as AA or AAA cells. From a commercial or industrial perspective, nickel metal hydride cells are used in small scale and low power appliances.
Pros
- They’re comparatively cheap to produce and cost approximately 50% less than lithium-ion cells
- They’re stable and unlikely to rapidly disassemble, as they contain few active materials
- They’re quick and easy to transport, as they can be shipped by air without needing to meet particular safety requirements
- They have a long shelf-life, and have self-discharge characteristics of 20% in a 12-month period
Cons
- They are heavier than other batteries due to the internal chemistry
- Their voltage will drop when it’s too hot or too cold
- They’re not suitable for every application, as they generate heat during charging
- They’re less tolerant to charging and don’t last as long
What are lithium-ion cells?
Lithium-ion cells are among the most desired rechargeable batteries and they come in various shapes and sizes, typically cylindrical cells, prismatic cells, or pouch cells. They’re suited to devices that require high energy density, such as smartphones and computers.
Pros
- Perfect for various portable devices as they’re extremely lightweight
- The cells have a high voltage, so you don’t need to use as many cells to achieve the required power
- They can withstand fluctuations in temperature
- They have a low discharge (around 1% per month), whereas nickel metal hydrate cells discharge at a rate of 1% per day
- The chemistry within can be adapted, making them ideal for use in a range of industries
Cons
- They’re more expensive to manufacture, and therefore more expensive for consumers
- Due to the reactive chemistry within, care must be taken when lithium-ion batteries are transported and used
- There are tight restrictions on the transportation of lithium-ion cells, which again adds to their cost
The verdict: which is the better option?
While a lithium-ion battery is preferred by most, the ideal cell for your application will depend on a variety of factors. This is particularly important when you consider the composition of a battery pack, as the use of each cell has its pros and cons, as introduced above.
AceOn manufactures battery packs with both lithium-ion and nickel metal hydride cells, and we’d be delighted to answer any questions you have about the use of either for your application. You can get in touch with us via our website if you have any questions.
