Lead-Acid (AGM / Gel / Flooded) vs. Lithium Polymer (LiPo / LCO)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 8 key differences identified.
Lead-Acid is the oldest rechargeable battery chemistry (invented 1859), delivering 2.0V per cell (12V nominal in standard 6-cell monoblocs). Despite low gravimetric energy density (30–50 Wh/kg), its unmatched surge current delivery (hundreds of cold cranking amps), low production cost, and 99% recycling rate make it the universal standard for automotive starting/ignition (SLI) and industrial UPS systems.
Lithium Polymer (LiPo), commonly based on Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2 / LCO), packages electrode stacks inside flexible multi-layer aluminum-laminate pouch cells rather than rigid metal cans. Operating at 3.7V–3.85V nominal (with High-Voltage LiHv variants reaching 4.35V–4.45V cutoff), LiPo offers unmatched peak discharge rates (up to 50C–100C continuous) for drones, RC modeling, and ultra-thin mobile hardware.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Nominal Cell Voltage
|
2.00 (12.00 V 6-Cell Pack) V | 3.70 – 3.85 V |
|
Gravimetric Energy Density
|
30 – 50 Wh/kg | 200 – 250 Wh/kg |
|
Volumetric Energy Density
|
60 – 100 Wh/L | 500 – 650 Wh/L |
|
Cycle Life (to 80% Capacity)
|
300 – 1,000 (Deep Cycle AGM) Cycles | 300 – 600 Cycles |
|
Thermal Runaway Threshold
|
> 200 °C | ~150 °C |
|
Operating Temperature Range
|
-20 to +50 °C | -10 to +60 °C |
|
Self-Discharge Rate
|
3 – 5% / Month | 3 – 5% / Month |
|
Primary Anode Material
|
Porous Sponge Lead (Pb) | Graphite |
|
Primary Cathode Material
|
Lead Dioxide (PbO2) in Sulfuric Acid Electrolyte (H2SO4) | Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2 / LCO) |