With the recent surge in popularity of Lithium Ion Jump Starters, or a portable power supply, individuals and companies have started showcasing multiple models in the market today. This makes it very hard to know which is good or bad. Some say lithium jump starts are better than lead acid batteries while others say they can jump start cars better than their lead-acid counterparts. But truth be told, there is no definite answer but selecting one over the other depends on various factors such as price point, size, weight and peak for these portable systems.
Lithium Ion Jump Starter
If you compare lithium ion batteries to lead acid batteries with similar output ratings, lithium ion packs are about half the size and weight of lead acid packs. This makes them better for use in a jump starter because they’re easier to move around and store in small places like your trunk without taking up too much room or weighing it down too much.
Lithium ion batteries also charge faster than lead acid batteries, which is an important convenience feature if you need to juice up your jump starter quickly so that it’s ready when you need it. Lithium jump starters are likely to last longer, but they come with a higher price tag. A lead-acid jump starter may be cheaper, but it won’t provide the same performance and lifespan.
Lithium jump starters can be recharged over 1,000 times without any degradation of the battery pack. They also do not lose their charge over time. Lithium ion batteries are currently preferred because they are much lighter than lead acid batteries and can hold their charge for a longer period of time.
Lead Acid Jump Starter
The technology behind lead acid batteries has been around for a long time and has been used in cars for decades. The structure of a lead acid jump starter is similar to that of a typical car battery with plates inside an electrolyte solution. Lead acid batteries are still commonly used as car batteries today as they are very reliable and efficient.
However, these types of jump starters also come with their own set of disadvantages: Lower Jump Starting Capacity: Lead acid jump starters tend to have lower cranking amps than lithium ion jump starters.
The lead-acid batteries used in cars are commonly flooded lead-acid (FLA) batteries, which have an open design and use liquid electrolytes. While these cells can be damaged by overcharging or extreme temperatures, they are inexpensive and easy to manufacture. They also have a low energy density and contain hazardous materials, but if these drawbacks aren’t significant for your application, FLA batteries may be a good choice for you.
What are the differences between these two technologies?
Each type has its own advantages, but lithium ion is the best choice for most applications. Here are some of the key differences:
- Weight—Lithium ion jump starters weigh about half as much as lead acid jump starters.
- Battery Life—This is where lithium ion really shines. A lithium ion battery can hold a charge for up to one year without losing any power. Conversely, a lead acid battery slowly loses its charge over time, even when not in use.
- Size—Lithium ion jump starters are smaller than their lead acid counterparts. They take up less space in your trunk or under your seat, so they won’t get in the way when you need to get other things out of your car.
- Starting Power—Both types of jump starters have enough starting power to start a dead battery in any size car, van or pickup truck.
However, lithium ion jump starters have more cranking amps than their lead acid competitors (at least 1,000 cranking amps). This gives them an edge when it comes to starting vehicles with large V8 engines or diesel engines.
The most basic difference between lead acid and lithium ion technology is that a lead acid battery has a fluid electrolyte while a lithium ion battery has a solid polymer electrolyte. The fluid electrolyte of the lead acid battery is capable of moving inside the cell, while the solid polymer electrolyte of the lithium ion battery is immobilized. This means that, while both types of batteries suffer from internal short circuits due to dendrite growth, only the lead-acid battery can recover from such an event by simply adding water.
Cost: Lead acid batteries have been around for a long time and they’re more affordable to produce than lithium ion batteries. Lithium ion batteries are used in other products such as cell phones and laptops, but they are much more expensive to produce than lead acid. That’s why when you buy a car battery, it’s lead acid instead of lithium ion.
Capacity: Generally speaking, the higher the capacity of the battery, the longer it will last before needing to be recharged. Lead acid batteries typically have about 50% less capacity than lithium ion batteries so they’ll need to be recharged more often.
Lifespan: A typical lead acid battery will last between 2-3 years before needing replacement. Lithium ion will last up to 5 years or even longer! It’s important to note that both types of batteries will lose their capacity over time so this lifespan is based on how many times they can be charged before losing too much power.
Pros and Cons of Lithium Ion Jump Starters
Lithium Ion Jump Starters Pros
- Lightweight and compact: Lithium-ion jump starters are lighter and smaller than their lead-acid counterparts. They can be carried around anywhere without any inconvenience.
- Fast charging: Lithium-ion jump starters can be recharged faster than lead-acid models. Most of them take just a few hours, while lead acid takes hours to recharge fully.
- More jump starts: Lithium-ion jump starter batteries can provide more starting power and last longer than lead-acid batteries. This translates to more jumps before they require a recharge.
Cons
- More expensive: The price of lithium-ion jump starter is several times higher than that of a lead-acid one. This is because the former use advanced technology, which makes it more expensive to produce these products. However, looking at all the benefits, you get what you pay for.
- Requires maintenance: Lithium-ion batteries require regular maintenance or else they will degrade quickly and lose their functions.
So Which Is Right for us?
As a buyer, you need to make sure you aren’t making the wrong decision when it comes to your jump starter. You need to know how the pros and cons perform in a given situation.
If you go by battery life, the lead acid jump starter is better because it lasts longer overall. Lithium-ion batteries have more power, but they have to be recharged more often. However, if you are looking for overall quality, then lithium-ion batteries are better because they typically last longer as well. Besides that, lithium-ion batteries are also more common these days.
They can be found in most places and are cheaper than lead acid jump starters. When it comes to charging devices, that is where lithium ion battery jump starters really come into their own. They can charge devices way faster with less chance of overheating or damaging your device than a lead acid battery can. When it comes to portability and ease of use, lithium ion jump starters win hands down. They are lighter and easier to move around with than lead acid battery jump starters.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both kinds of batteries. It all depends on what you plan on doing with your jump starter and how you plan on using it. Lead acid batteries are bigger, heavier, cheaper, but also slower to recharge, less efficient and lose charge over time. Lithium ion is smaller, lighter, more expensive but also charges faster, releases more power and holds its charge. In the end it comes down to personal preference.
If you’re looking for a cheaper jump starter that is less likely to lose its charge over time then maybe a lead acid battery would be better for you. But if you want a smaller, more efficient jump starter that charges quickly and holds its charge then maybe a lithium ion battery would be right for you.
Summary:
In the end, the choice between lithium ion and lead-acid can boil down to a few key factors. Lithium ion has faster charging times and more conducive charging temperatures, but it’s more expensive, and it’s also a bulkier design. Lead-acid tends to be less expensive, but it also needs regular maintenance in order to stay safe and effective. The best setup will depend on your individual needs and circumstances, so you’ll want to weigh all of your options before making your final decision. While you’re getting educated regarding which kind of jump starter is right for you, as always make sure you have insurance in case the unlikely scenario does arise.