Lithium Ion Batteries are the most used portable source of power in modern technologies. From rechargeable batteries that turn on laptops, cellular phones, and cameras, lithium ion Batteries are now more valuable than ever because they are used in electric cars. There is a significant difference between lithium batteries and lithium-ion batteries: one is the fact that some lithium batteries are not rechargeable, while lithium ion batteries are.

Lithium batteries also use pure lithium in its metallic form, while lithium ion batteries only use certain lithium compounds—an ideal chemical structure when it comes to long-lasting battery life.

Lithium Ion batteries

Lithium Ion batteries get power from the movement done by its lithium ions: from the negative electrode to the positive when it is running out, and back again when it is charged. One type of lithium ion battery that most people have already seen and used is the battery that comes with a cellular phone. To use the cell phone, the user must periodically charge the battery using a charger, as well as prevent it from over-charging or completely discharging. The same concept applies for all gadgets powered by lithium ion batteries, including cars.

One of the advantages

One of the advantages of using lithium ion batteries is that they are lighter than most forms of rechargeable batteries. Unlike other types of rechargeable power source, a lithium ion battery has no memory effect- meaning there can be no damage done even when it is charged halfway to its draining point. Lithium ion batteries are also energy efficient- losing only a mere 5% charging power each month compared to the 20% other types of rechargeable batteries shed off. Another reason why electronic companies are putting their trusts on lithium ion batteries is the fact that these batteries can last more than two years once it gets out of the warehouse—a long period of time for a rechargeable battery to survive multiple charges and discharges.

One significant disadvantage

One significant disadvantage of using lithium ion batteries is that they are very sensitive to heat. Extreme elevation of temperature causes a lithium ion battery pack to degrade faster than it should. Another thing to look into is its capacity to burst into flames if it fails, although the chances of an exploding lithium battery are one or two in three million. This is something that electric car manufacturers have to look out for that it could cause serious accidents.

Lithium ion batteries are truly a thing of the future; just imagine the communicating world without long-lasting cell phone or laptop shelf lives. Its use in electric cars is proven to help man push the envelope when it comes to saving the environment, and with proper handling, lithium ion batteries might just be the man's bridging hand to a technologically-advanced future.