Lithium iron phosphate is a type of lithium-ion battery, since the energy is stored in the same way, moving and storing lithium ions instead of lithium metal. These cells and batteries not only have high capacity, but can deliver high power. High-power lithium iron phosphate batteries are now a reality. They can be used as storage cells or power sources.

 

Lithium iron Phosphate can be charged in 3-4 hrs and has a long cycle life, even at 100% discharge. It can also provide high rate discharge with out loss of capacity. Lithium Iron Phosphate is also less than half the weight of sealed lead acid Batteries.

In addition, Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are among the longest lived batteries ever developed. Test data in the laboratory show up to 2000 charge/discharge cycles. This is due to the extremely robust crystal structure of the iron phosphate, which does not break down under repeated packing and unpacking of the lithium ions during charging and discharging

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Lead acid uses a voltage-based charge algorithm that shares similarity with lithium-ion. The voltage is allowed to roam within a confined window while the charge current is set and will only moderate during saturation charge. The charge time of a sealed lead acid battery is 12–16 hours, up to 36–48 hours for large stationary batteries. With higher charge currents and multi-stage charge methods, the charge time can be reduced to 10 hours or less; however, the topping charge may not be complete. Lead acid is sluggish and cannot be charged as quickly as other battery systems.

Lead acid batteries should be charged in three stages, which are [1] constant-current charge, [2] topping charge and [3] float charge. The constant-current charge applies the bulk of the charge and takes up roughly half of the required charge time; the topping charge continues at a lower charge current and provides saturation, and the float charge compensates for the loss caused by self-discharge