Today, portability is an indispensable part of almost every electronic device. This has given rise to the creation of numerous different types of batteries. However, out of all different kinds of batteries, Lithium-Ion and Lithium Polymer are the most popular. 

While Lithium-ion batteries have remained traditionally in all your portable gadgets and smartphones, Lithium Polymer batteries are the ones that get utilised in more advanced devices and modern flagship gadgets. 

Now you might think if both these batteries get used in electronic gadgets, why are we discussing lithium-ion battery vs lithium polymer battery. However, you must understand that there are differences between the two, mainly based on longevity and battery safety. 

Understanding lithium-ion Battery

Lithium-ion batteries have existed for a long time now, and it is still the most prevalent battery choice for almost every electronic device. The main reason why these batteries are so popular is that they are long-lasting, hold a high energy density and are comparatively affordable to create. 

Lithium-ion or Li-ion batteries are rechargeable kinds of batteries that are profoundly compact. This is the reason why they get used for electric vehicles such as aerospace purposes. Also, in Lithium-ion batteries, the positively charged lithium-ions get transferred from the anode by the electrolyte to the cathode and vice versa. 

Since these lithium-ion batteries are long-lasting, they can last for approximately 2-3 years or 300-500 charge rounds. 

Read more: Advantages and disadvantages of lithium-ion battery

Understanding lithium polymer Battery

The Lithium Polymer battery is another rechargeable battery type that utilises a polymer electrolyte rather than a liquid electrolyte. This variation in choice makes lithium-poly batteries to be highly effective and secure for use. 

These lithium polymer batteries are handy and hence are obtainable in varied configurations and sizes. Lithium-polymer battery technology again utilises a positive and negative electrode with a dry thick, permeable chemical or gel-like electrolyte. 

As a consequence, polymer batteries can extend a lower profile, resilient, and more sturdy designs. Hence, it might not be wrong to say that lithium polymer batteries are safer. However, this does not imply that they remain immune from problems like getting punctured or overheated.

Difference between lithium-ion and lithium-polymer battery

The most fundamental distinction between lithium-polymer and lithium-ion batteries is the biochemical electrolyte within the negative and positive electrodes. While a lithium-ion battery uses a liquid electrolyte, a lithium-polymer battery uses a dry solid, gel-like electrolyte. 

Mentioned below are some significant points of distinction between a lithium-ion vs lithium polymer battery. 

  • Pricing

When comparing lithium-ion and lithium polymer batteries, li-ion batteries win the race. The price of lithium-ion battery cost starts around INR 2500 per piece and goes as high as INR 1,50,000. 

On the other hand, the price of a lithium polymer battery starts at approximately INR 7500 per piece, and it can range up to INR 2,50,000 per piece. 

  • Versatility

When speaking of versatility, lithium-polymer batteries are more versatile than lithium-ion batteries. This is because there is no end to manufacturing different shapes and sizes of lithium polymer batteries. 

Moreover, lithium-polymer batteries can get moulded in different ways and can get utilised for multiple purposes.

  • High power

Both lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries are suitable for robust and high power use. Nevertheless, lithium-ion batteries are more effective and prevalent than lithium-polymer batteries. This is because they possess higher power levels making them fitting for massive usages.

  • Robust and lightweight

Lithium-polymer batteries are highly prevalent in terms of their robust nature and the property of being lightweight than lithium-ion batteries. Due to their sturdy design, lithium-polymer batteries hold less risk of leakage.  

  • Suitability and portability

Both lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries are compact. However, lithium-poly batteries are more portable as they hold a small and sleek design. 

Also, when speaking of suitability, lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries are both fitting and effective in various ways. Lithium-ion is suitable for electric transports, whereas lithium-poly is suitable for mobile phones.

  • Safety features

The safety of a battery is a primary concern for many consumers and producers. When comparing lithium-ion v/s lithium-polymer batteries, li-ion batteries are likely to collapse in critical circumstances because the two contrasting elements in these batteries can quickly meet. 

On the contrary, lithium polymer batteries are pretty safe compared to lithium-ion batteries as their electrolyte is not likely to leak.

  • Lifespan

The lifespan of lithium-ion batteries is relatively higher than that of lithium polymer batteries, and there is no retention impact in the lithium-ion batteries. However, lithium-ion batteries are likely to lose their storage capacity as they grow old. 

  • Self discharge

The lithium-polymer battery life circle is more concise, and these batteries save less energy than the equivalent sized lithium-ion batteries. However, the lithium-polymer batteries are more secure, hold fast charging and possess a low self-discharge level. This implies that these lithium-polymer batteries would not drain off much if you do not utilise them for quite some time.

Lithium-ion vs lithium polymer battery – Which one to choose?

While both lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries come with their own set of pros and cons, if you prefer a battery that presents adequate power without caring about the high delivery time, you can opt for lithium-polymer batteries. 

This is because lithium-polymer batteries hold reduced storage space, though they can render enough power. On the other hand, if you need power for a long time with a low delivery time, you can opt for lithium-ion batteries as they carry a higher charge and run for an extended time.

Final words

Now that you have understood the fundamental difference between lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries, you can take a step ahead to make an informed purchase of these batteries from a reliable manufacturer of lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries like Waaree ESS. 

Waaree ESS is a leading name when speaking of dependable manufacturers of lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries in India. We at Waaree ESS strive to extend end to end solutions for energy storage and aim to manufacture environment-friendly products that can effectively get utilised for residential and commercial purposes. 

To learn more about our products, you can give us a call at +917069022124 or email us at crm@wess.co.in.

You can also read: Lithium-ion Battery Manufacturers in India