Lead-Acid (AGM / Gel / Flooded) vs. Lithium Titanate (LTO)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 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 Titanate (Li4Ti5O12 / LTO) chemistry replaces carbon graphite anodes with nanocrystalline lithium titanate. Operating at 2.3V–2.4V nominal, LTO achieves industry-record cycle life exceeding 15,000–30,000+ cycles, extreme rapid charging rates up to 10C–30C (0 to 80% in under 5 minutes), and sub-zero operation down to -40°C with near-zero SEI degradation.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Nominal Cell Voltage
|
2.00 (12.00 V 6-Cell Pack) V | 2.30 – 2.40 V |
|
Gravimetric Energy Density
|
30 – 50 Wh/kg | 70 – 100 Wh/kg |
|
Volumetric Energy Density
|
60 – 100 Wh/L | 150 – 220 Wh/L |
|
Cycle Life (to 80% Capacity)
|
300 – 1,000 (Deep Cycle AGM) Cycles | 15,000 – 30,000+ Cycles |
|
Thermal Runaway Threshold
|
> 200 °C | > 280 (Extremely Safe) °C |
|
Operating Temperature Range
|
-20 to +50 °C | -40 to +65 °C |
|
Self-Discharge Rate
|
3 – 5% / Month | < 1% / Month |
|
Primary Anode Material
|
Porous Sponge Lead (Pb) | Lithium Titanate Oxide (Li4Ti5O12) |
|
Primary Cathode Material
|
Lead Dioxide (PbO2) in Sulfuric Acid Electrolyte (H2SO4) | NMC or LMO (Lithium Manganese Oxide) |