Difference between LiFePO4 batteries and Li-ion polymer batteries

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, LFP) batteries

Lithium iron phosphate is a lithium-ion polymer battery that uses LiFePO4 as the cathode material and a metal-backed graphite carbon electrode as the anode.

The LiFePO4 battery, also known as the LFP battery, is a rechargeable battery. It is the safest type of lithium battery on the market today. It is small, lightweight, and has a cycle life of thousands of cycles.

Lithium-Ion Polymer (LIPO) Batteries

A lithium-ion polymer battery is a rechargeable battery that works primarily on the movement of lithium ions between the positive and negative electrodes. Lithium-ion batteries use an embedded lithium compound as the electrode material. The commonly used lithium-ion battery cathode materials are lithium cobaltate (LCO battery), lithium manganate (LMO battery), ternary lithium-ion (NCA, NMC battery), and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 battery).

The difference between LiFePO4 battery and other lithium-ion batteries

Inherit some advantages of lithium-ion batteries

High current charging and discharging is one of the advantages of Li-polymer batteries, which allow devices to release more energy in a short period of time. These batteries are more often used in racing cars and power tools: almost all drones and RC model batteries use Li-ion batteries.

High discharge multiplier lithium-ion polymer batteries Up to 50C (continuous) and 150C (pulsed). They are lightweight, long-lasting, and can be manufactured into a variety of shapes. These are just some of the advantages of lithium-ion batteries, lithium iron phosphate batteries have these advantages. 

Long cycle life

Because LFP batteries have 4 to 5 times the cycle life of other Li-ion batteries, they can reach 2000 to 3000 cycles or more. LiFePO4 batteries can also reach 100% depth of discharge (DOD). This means that for energy storage products, LFP batteries do not need to worry about over-discharge and can even last longer. A good lithium iron phosphate battery can last 3 to 7 years, so the average cost is very affordable.

However, LiFePO4 batteries have a lower energy density than other Li-ion batteries, so they are not suitable for wearable devices. In addition, the battery compartment space is limited, so the capacity is relatively low.

As a result, LFP batteries are not as durable and compatible with the conditions and internal space of wearable devices compared to other LiPo batteries.