Although lithium ion batteries are used in laptops and cell phones, many consumers and automobile experts are wondering if lithium ion batteries are best suited to power electric cars.

There are many benefits associated with the use of lithium ion car batteries. For one, lithium ions batteries possess a higher energy density than lead acid or NiMH batteries. This simply means that lithium ion batteries can store more energy within them. Lithium ion batteries pack twice the energy of NiHM batteries and six times the energy of lead acid batteries. In addition, lithium ion batteries are cheaper to produce. This can be attributed to the decrease in lithium prices and the need for fewer materials. The most beneficial thing about lithium ion batteries is that are environmentally friendly. Because lithium is less toxic than lead and nickel, it is likely to negatively affect the environment. In addition, the batteries can also be recycled.

Despite these benefits, many people are starting to voice concern over the use of lithium ion car batteries. Primarily, people are concerned with safety. Lithium batteries have the potential to overheat and catch fire. This defect was discovered when numerous lithium cell phone and laptop batteries began to catch fire. Another concern is shelf life. Unlike cell phone and laptops batteries, car batteries need to last for many of years. In addition, completely charging and discharging the battery shortens the lifespan of the battery. Although there is no solid solution to this issue, many manufacturers create batteries that can be charged up to 80% percent capacity and discharge to 30%.

Although lithium ion car batteries are financially and environmentally friendly, many people are wondering if these benefits outweigh the safety risks. Car manufactures have been doing everything they can to reduce these risks. For instance, lithium ion batteries are equipped with sensors and computerized safety nets to detect and shut down the battery if it begins to overheat. Despite this, many people still are wondering if lithium batteries have what it takes to become the future power source of electric cars. Only time will tell.