Main content:
Lithium batteries are fast becoming a popular and essential energy source and are more widely adopted in our homes and industries. Lithium batteries are used for various applications ranging from consumer electronics to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.
Lithium battery weight is a crucial factor influencing the lithium battery's efficiency, usability, and portability. Lithium-ion batteries are significantly lighter than lead-acid batteries, with some being 1/3 the weight of their lead-acid alternatives.
In this article, we will look at why lithium battery weight is an important indicator, examine the use cases of lightweight batteries, and discuss how to choose a suitable lithium battery.
Why is lithium battery weight an important indicator
Lithium battery weight is a significant parameter that influences the lithium battery's overall performance, efficiency, and usability. The lighter a lithium battery is, the more convenient it is to carry around and use. Lighter lithium batteries have proven to be more efficient and effective over the years. Lithium battery weight is an important indicator because of these reasons:
Portability
Lightweight lithium batteries are very easy to move around; because of this, they are used in equipment like drones, electric bikes, and medical apparatus that are always moved from place to place.
Energy Density
Lithium battery weight is closely related to its energy density. Higher energy density means a battery with less weight can provide more power.
Aerospace and Automotive Applications
Lightweight lithium batteries are used to power commercial and private aircraft, military vehicles, and space exploration vehicles. Weight reduction in these equipment enhances fuel efficiency, increases range, and improves performance.
Ease of Installation
Lightweight lithium batteries are easier to install and transport, which makes them more user-friendly, especially for commercial and residential energy storage.
Performance Optimization
Lithium batteries with less weight are faster and more durable than heavy ones. Because of their lasting power, they are mostly used on e-bikes, motorcycles, and robots.
Measurement method for lithium battery weight
Lithium battery weight is measured in kilograms (Kg) or pounds (Lbs), depending on your region. Factors like battery capacity, battery chemistry, and casing material density affect the weight of the battery.
Comparison of LiFePo4 Battery and NCM Battery
The most widely used lithium batteries are the LiFePo4 and NCM batteries. The weight of these batteries differs based on energy density and the material composition of the batteries. The comparison table below highlights the differences between these two batteries.
LiFePo4 Battery NCM Battery
| LiFePo4 Battery | NCM Battery |
| The LiFePo4 battery has stable chemical structure and a long life span of about 2000 – 5000 cycles. | The NCM battery has a slightly shorter life span than the LiFePo4 battery [2000 – 4000 cycles]. |
| This battery is useful in electric vehicles, solar energy storage, and other industries. | This battery is commonly used in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and power tools. |
| The LiFePo4 battery is slightly heavier than the NCM battery. | NCM batteries are lighter than LiFePo4 batteries. |
| This battery have a lower energy density [90 – 120 Wh/Kg] | This battery has a higher energy density [150-230 Wh/Kg] |
Weight Calculation Formula
You can estimate the weight of a lithium battery by using the formula below:
Lithium battery weight [kg] = Battery Capacity [Wh] / Energy Density [Wh/Kg]
For instance, a 100Ah LiFePO4 battery with a nominal voltage of 12.8V had 1280Wh of energy stored in it. If its energy density if 120 Wh/Kg, its estimated weight would be:
1280 Wh / 120 Wh/Kg = 10.67 Kg
How much does a lithium battery weight
How much a lithium battery weighs depends on some factors, such as battery capacity (Ah), voltage (V), and the electrolyte type and amount used in the battery.
The approximate weights of common battery sizes are given below:
| Battery Type | Capacity (Ah) | Voltage (V) | Weight (Kg) |
| LiFePO4 | 12V 100Ah | 12.8V | 10-12 Kg |
| NCM | 12V 100Ah | 12V | 7-9 Kg |
| LiFePO4 | 24V 100Ah | 25.6V | 20-22 Kg |
| NCM | 24V 100Ah | 24V | 15-18 Kg |
| LiFePO4 | 48V 100Ah | 51.2V | 40-45 Kg |
| NCM | 48V 100Ah | 48V | 30-35 Kg |
Lithium batteries are significantly lighter than lead-acid batteries, which weigh three to four times more for the same capacity.
Lightweight batteries in use
Lithium batteries have gained popularity over the years and are increasingly becoming more widely used than lead-acid batteries, which are heavier. Lightweight battery packs are applied in cases where reducing weight is essential. Let's take a look at some of these use cases:
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Tesla and other automotive manufacturers use lightweight NCM and LiFePO4 batteries to maximize the range of their vehicles.
Drones and UAVs
Drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other aircraft use small LiPo batteries for greater efficiency.
Marine and RV Application
Lightweight LiFePO4 batteries are used in these vehicles to enhance performance and reduce overall weight.
Portable Power Stations
Lightweight batteries are useful in camping and outdoor power solutions because compact and lightweight lithium batteries are the best.
Medical Devices
Lightweight batteries are also used in pacemakers and other critical medical apparatus, which are meant to be small and easy to carry.
How to choose a suitable lithium battery
Before you choose a lithium battery for yourself, you should consider some important factors. These factors include:
Application Requirement
What do you want to use this particular battery for? You must decide whether it's for an electric vehicle, solar energy storage, marine, or industry applications. That way, you'll make a better choice.
Battery Chemistry
You need to know that two main types of lithium batteries are widely used. These include LiFePO4, which is very safe and has a long life span, and NCM, which is highly energy-dense.
Weight Vs. Capacity
It's important to balance your battery needs with power needs for portability. So consider this when you want to get your lithium battery.
Cycle Life
Generally, LiFePO4 batteries live longer (offering 2000 – 5000 cycles) than NCM batteries which provide 2000 – 4000 cycles.
Discharge Rating (C-Rating)
Consider the discharge rate if your application requires high current output. Brand and Quality: Ensure you get your Lithium batteries from reputable brands like Tycorun. Reputable brands provide you with quality batteries that exceed your expectations.
Advantages of Tycorun's lithium battery
Tycorun is a leading lithium battery manufacturer that offers the best lightweight Lithium batteries with numerous benefits:
Lightweight and High Energy Density
Tycorun batteries are not heavy and provide superior energy.
Longer Cycle Life
Tycorun's LiFePO4 lithium batteries last up to 5000 cycles, reducing replacement costs in the long run.
Advanced Safety Features
Their lithium batteries have a battery management system (BMS) that helps prevent overheating, overcharging, and short circuits.
Fast Charging
Tycorun's lithium batteries charge very fast and die very slowly, making them very convenient.
Wide Range Applications
Our lithium batteries have many use cases, especially in high-speed electric motorcycles, solar energy storage systems, recreational vehicles (RVs), and marine equipment.
Eco-Friendly
Tycorun's batteries are generally environmentally friendly. The LiFePO4 battery chemistry is free of toxic heavy metals like cobalt, which makes them environmentally sustainable.
Conclusion
Lithium battery weight plays an important role in its efficiency, usability, and battery performance. Factors such as battery chemistry, capacity, and energy density affect the battery's weight. We saw that two types of lthium batteries are widely used –LiFePO4 and NCM. LiFePO4 is slightly heavier, offering better safety and longevity than NCM, while NCM is lighter and more energy-dense.
A lightweight battery can be used in electric vehicles, drones, marine, and portable power stations. So, if you're considering getting a Lithium battery, some factors influence weight that you should consider, such as the cycle life, chemistry type, and brand reputation.
Tycorun offers the best lightweight lithium batteries with excellent designs, lifespan, and safety features, which makes Tycorun a top choice for you when getting your lithium batteries.
Related articles: lithium ion battery prices, Top 10 power battery cell manufacturers, top 10 lithium electrolyte manufacturers in China