Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4) vs Lithium-ion Batteries

The term “Lithium Batteries” is used interchangeably in the media when describing Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4) and Lithium-ion batteries. LiFePO4 batteries and Lithium-ion batteries each have different characteristics, such as energy density, voltage, and operating temperature, and because of this they are used differently. Lithium-ion batteries are typically used in electric vehicles and scooters. LiFePO4 batteries are the most common type of batteries used for off-grid mobile applications. But the key difference between the two types is safety. LiFePO4 batteries are significantly safer to use due their chemical structure. They are more chemically stable, resistant to damage from over charging or discharging, and perform excellently in a wide range of conditions. These characteristics, along with the additional protection of the Battery Management System (BMS), make them a perfect solution for a those seeking a safe, high performance battery.

Lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density (more power per weight) and are lighter then LiFePO4 batteries, but are significantly more prone to catching fire if damaged or overcharged. The problems typically reported in the media that relate to lithium batteries stem from lithium-ion batteries that have no integrated BMS to protect the battery from over charge or discharge.

Built-in Protection with a Battery Management System

One of the standout features of KickAss LiFePO4 lithium batteries is the integrated BMS. The BMS acts as a built-in safety net for your battery, constantly monitoring everything from voltage levels to temperature. It’s designed to protect your battery from the sorts of issues that can cause serious damage or, in extreme cases, lead to failure.

The BMS in KickAss LiFePO4 lithium batteries offers the following protections:

• Under and Over Voltage Protection: Whether you’re drawing too much power or charging the battery past its recommended limit, the BMS ensures your battery is protected. If the voltage gets too high or too low, the BMS will cut off the charge or discharge to prevent damage.
• Temperature Protection: Extreme temperatures can be the enemy of any battery. The BMS in KickAss LiFePO4 lithium batteries monitors temperature and ensures the battery is operating within a safe range. Too hot or too cold? The BMS steps in to prevent the battery cells from operating at temperatures outside the allowable range. Permitting the battery to charge or discharge outside the allowable temperature range can shorten your battery’s life and affect the usable capacity dramatically.
• Charge and Discharge over current protection: The battery cells used in a battery are rated to charge and discharge at specific rates. The BMS will monitor the real time current to ensure these rates don’t go beyond the allowable range. If they do, the BMS will immediately stop the battery from charging or discharging, ensuring the battery never operates unsafely.
• Short Circuit Protection: In the case of a short circuit, the BMS acts instantly to protect both you and the battery by cutting off the power. This is a crucial safety feature, which ensures that cabling and anything connected to the battery are protected.
• Cell Balancing:  To prolong the life of a LiFePO4 lithium battery, it’s important that the internal battery cells operate at the same voltage. A BMS helps extend the life of the battery by performing cell balancing. Cell balancing is where the BMS will charge the individual cells at slightly different rates, to ensure they always operate at the same voltage. This means your battery will perform better and last longer.

These features work together to ensure that not only does your battery last longer, it also operates safely even in demanding conditions. In short, KickAss LiFePO4 batteries are designed to give you peace of mind on your off-grid adventures.

How Does This Compare to AGM Batteries?

While AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries have long been a staple in the off-grid world, they simply don’t offer the same level of integrated protection that KickAss LiFePO4 batteries do. AGM batteries do not come with a built-in BMS. If you want to safeguard an AGM battery from issues like over-discharge or under-discharge, you’ll need to add external components like a low voltage disconnect device. While you can add some external devices to protect your battery from over discharge and short circuit protection, an integrated BMS for your LiFePO4 battery provide multiple levels of protection in the one device.

Additionally, AGM batteries are heavier, bulkier, and generally have a shorter lifespan compared to lithium batteries. And without a low voltage disconnect installed in the system, it’s easier for AGM batteries to experience overcharging, undercharging, and temperature-related damage – all of which lead to reduced performance.

Why Trust KickAss LiFePO4 Lithium Batteries?

At KickAss, we pride ourselves on being off-grid adventure specialists. We understand the importance of reliability and safety when you’re miles away from civilisation. That’s why every KickAss LiFePO4 battery comes equipped with a BMS that will ensure your battery will last the distance.

While it’s true that all batteries have the potential to fail under extreme conditions, the reality is that the safe LiFePO4 chemistry and the built-in BMS makes KickAss LiFePO4  lithium batteries much safer than the Lithium-ion batteries used in electric scooters, and the older AGM technology.

The Verdict:

In short, the fears around lithium batteries being dangerous stem from lithium-ion batteries. KickAss LiFePO4 lithium batteries are designed with safety in mind, offering a smart, reliable, and above all safe battery solution for all your off-grid needs.

Still not sure what battery type is right for you? Drop in to one of our retail stores in Acacia Ridge or Kawana, or give us a call on 07 3123 1415 - our team of 12V specialists will be happy to help.