What are the Differences Between Lithium and Alkaline Batteries?

Nowadays, we can't even imagine our lives without batteries, as they power up most of the electronic devices and appliances we use in our routine, such as mobile phones, laptops, hearing aids, glucose meters, infusion pumps, and a range of medical testing kits. Different battery types are available on the market. Two of the most commonly used ones are alkaline and lithium batteries.

If you are wondering whether you should choose a lithium or alkaline battery for your specific power needs, you have come to the right place. This article presents a comprehensive comparison of lithium vs alkaline batteries to help you make the right decision to fulfill your needs. Let's get into further specifics.

What is a lithium battery?

A battery that uses lithium as an alloy or metal in a non-aqueous solution is commonly known as a lithium battery. Lithium batteries can be of both primary and secondary types.

Primary lithium batteries are the ones that can be used only once, which means you can't recharge them once they are depleted. They are available in 9V, button cell, coin cell, AA, AAA, C, and D sizes. You may often see these batteries marked with the word "lithium". In comparison to alkaline batteries, lithium primary batteries last longer and have started replacing them.

On the other hand, secondary lithium batteries are rechargeable. You can recharge these batteries many times for repetitive uses. You may often see these batteries marked with the word "rechargeable". Lithium secondary batteries have a wide range of applications in our daily lives, including laptops, smartphones, production equipment, industrial robots, electric vehicles, and more. Common types of lithium secondary batteries include lithium-ion, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), lithium cobalt, and more.

Lithium-metal and lithium-ion are the two most common chemistries of lithium batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable, while lithium-metal batteries are not. Compared to other battery types, lithium batteries come with a higher energy density, low self-discharge, and fast charging. In addition, they work seamlessly at low temperatures.

What is an alkaline battery?

It uses manganese dioxide as a cathode and zinc powder as an anode. Both the electrodes are dipped in an alkaline electrolyte. You can find alkaline batteries in different sizes, including 9V, AA, AAA, C, and D. The most common applications of alkaline batteries include portable radios, remote controls, toys, and flashlights.

One of the reasons behind the popularity of alkaline batteries is their stable output and longer lifespan. Alkaline batteries are used for devices that need continuous power for extended periods. The most common example is the low-drain gadgets.

Alkaline batteries are primary batteries that can't be recharged once they deliver all the power they have. You should dispose of them properly after use. Though they offer single-use, they are commonly used due to their convenience for running routine devices, cost-effectiveness, and broader availability.

A few limitations of alkaline batteries include the possibility of corrosive liquid leakage and their heavy-weight structure.

Lithium vs alkaline batteries: What's the difference?

Now that you know what both battery types are. It is time to understand the difference between alkaline and lithium batteries based on various factors, including performance, capacity, price, type, voltage output, weight, lifespan, and temperature sensitivity.

1. Performance

Alkaline batteries offer low-voltage output and are therefore preferred for low-power applications like toys, flashlights, and remote controls. Short-circuiting and leakages are the two leading drawbacks of these battery types. They both may result in overheating while charging and explosions.

In contrast, lithium batteries are safe, and you can use them in high-level devices, such as digital cameras and medical equipment. The lightweight structure makes lithium batteries suitable for various applications, including electronic vehicles.

2. Capacity

The battery's capacity refers to the amount of energy it can store and deliver when needed. Lithium batteries can power devices longer than alkaline batteries do. This means that lithium batteries come with a higher capacity compared to their alkaline alternatives. The capacity of lithium batteries usually ranges between 1200mAh and 200Ah. Moreover, the self-discharge rate of lithium batteries is slower than that of alkaline batteries.

3. Price

Alkaline batteries are made up of cheaper materials, which is why they are disposable. Therefore, the price for these batteries is lower than their lithium alternatives. The cost of lithium batteries can be as high as 5 times the price of alkaline batteries. Despite their higher costs, lithium batteries are used in many applications because they have the ability to run appliances 8 to 10 cycles longer than their counterparts.

The voltage output of alkaline batteries reduces over time, whereas lithium batteries are known for providing full-voltage output till the end of their charge life. Considering this factor, the price for each use of lithium batteries is more affordable than the alkaline ones.

4. Type

Alkaline batteries are available in different types. AA and AAA are used for low-power devices. C, D, and 9V size alkaline batteries are used in high-drain devices. Moreover, industrial markets use industrial-grade alkaline batteries.

Lithium batteries are found in various sizes and types, including 10440, 14500, 16340, 18650, 21700, 26650, and 32650. Other than that, the most commonly available lithium batteries are lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel oxide, lithium-ion, lithium, iron phosphate, ternary materials, and lithium manganate.

5. Voltage

If we talk about alkaline vs lithium batteries, the nominal voltage of alkaline batteries and lithium batteries are 1.5 volts and 1.5-3 volts, respectively. LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries offer 3.2 volts or 3.6 volts, which is why they are preferred for more powerful applications.

With lithium-ion batteries, you can make a pack of 72 volts or even bigger capacity. Considering these facts, we can say that lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries perform better than their alkaline counterparts.

6 Weight

Alkaline batteries have bulky structures. On the other hand, the weight of lithium batteries is much lighter. The lightweight structure of lithium batteries makes them a perfect choice for a range of portable devices, including but not limited to cordless medical diagnostic equipment, wearable devices, cordless power tools, and more.

For applications like electronic and high-tech smart devices, where changing batteries is an inconvenience, lithium batteries are considered an ideal option. Lithium batteries are designed to power up such devices for a long period without the need for frequent battery changes.

7. Lifespan

The lifespan of lithium batteries is longer than alkaline batteries. Alkaline batteries last from 5 to 10 years, whereas lithium batteries last from 10 to 15 years at room temperature. If we talk about the lifespan in terms of charge cycles, alkaline batteries can last for 300 partial cycles, whereas lithium batteries can last between 3,000 and 5,000 partial cycles.

When it comes to rechargeability, alkaline batteries can withstand around 50 to 100 charge-discharge cycles, whereas lithium batteries have the ability to withstand 500 to 1,000 charge-discharge cycles.

8. Temperature sensitivity

Lithium batteries are suitable for different types of environments, as they perform well in extremely low and extremely high temperatures. In contrast, alkaline batteries don't function properly in extreme temperatures. Simply put, comparing lithium vs alkaline batteries shows that alkaline batteries are more sensitive to temperatures than lithium batteries.

Alkaline vs lithium: Which battery is right for you?

Different batteries perform well for different applications and different scenarios. Just because lithium batteries are widely accepted and they come with enhanced performance, it does not mean that they will be an ideal choice for all applications. Let's explore various factors you should consider when buying a reliable battery for your backup power needs.

1. Battery type: Choosing the right battery type ensures that your energy needs are perfectly met. Wrong choices may not fulfill your power needs and may create issues.
2. Performance: Lithium batteries perform better than alkaline batteries in many ways, including temperature range, weight, voltage output, rechargeability, and longevity.
3. Safety: Though both alkaline and lithium batteries can be dangerous if you don't handle them properly, lithium batteries are considered safer because they are less likely to overheat and explode.
4. Affordability: Alkaline batteries are more affordable than lithium batteries, but they don't last as long as lithium batteries do. Despite higher overall costs, the price for each use of lithium batteries is cost-effective because they last longer.
5. Capacity: Lithium batteries can store more energy than alkaline batteries and deliver power for longer periods to run many devices and appliances. This means that lithium batteries have a higher capacity than their counterparts.
6. Life cycle: As discussed above, lithium batteries can deliver consistent power for longer periods compared to alkaline batteries. The average lifespan of an alkaline battery is between 5 and 10 years, whereas a standard lithium battery can last anywhere between 10 and 15 years.

Considering the factors listed above, lithium batteries are an ideal option for running high-drain devices. In contrast, if you want to power low-drain or moderate-drain devices, you should use alkaline batteries instead of lithium ones.

Conclusion

When we compare lithium vs alkaline batteries, it shows that many factors come into play that make both battery types different from each other, including lifespan, capacity, performance, price, and applications. If you need a battery for clocks, toys, flashlights, portable lights, and other similar devices, look no further than alkaline batteries.

On the other hand, lithium batteries are perfect for running electronic devices like electric vehicles, laptops, cameras, smartphones, and more. In terms of cost, alkaline batteries are more affordable. In comparison, you will find lithium batteries more cost-effective while estimating the price for each use. For more details, be sure to read through the discussion above.

Frequently asked questions

Which batteries are better, alkaline or lithium?

It largely depends on your needs. If you want to power outdoor high-drain devices, choose lithium batteries. If your aim is to run standard household devices like clocks and toys, alkaline batteries will perform better at a lower cost.

What happens if I use alkaline instead of lithium batteries?

Well, this is something you should avoid doing. The use of alkaline batteries instead of lithium batteries can damage the battery, the device, or both. Therefore, if you want to protect both the device and the battery, you should never use alkaline batteries instead of lithium batteries.

Which battery lasts longer, alkaline or lithium?

Lithium batteries last longer than their alkaline alternatives. If you are looking for a battery that lasts longer or delivers power for longer periods to run high-drain devices, lithium batteries should be your top choice.