Why do lithium batteries vary in price?
Key Reasons Explained:
Lithium battery prices vary considerably, influenced by multiple factors including the cell, protection board, casing, as well as the PACK process and plug-in usage."Lithium batteries" constitute a category of cells employing lithium metal or lithium alloys as anode materials and utilising non-aqueous electrolyte solutions. Owing to the highly reactive chemical properties of lithium metal, its processing, storage, and utilisation demand exceptionally stringent environmental conditions. Lithium batteries find extensive application in energy storage and power sources, with the advent of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries further propelling the development and deployment of the lithium battery industry.
1. Capacity |
Provided lithium-ion battery capacity is not overstated, generally speaking, the larger the battery capacity, the higher the corresponding price. |
2. Protection board quality and circuit design |
High-quality lithium batteries utilise premium electronic components and protection boards, alongside multiple protective circuit designs. These not only optimise charging and discharging circuits but also incorporate features such as constant temperature and voltage regulation, overcharge protection, over-discharge protection, overcurrent protection, and short-circuit protection. This creates a secure operating environment for both you and your devices. Conversely, low-cost lithium batteries lack robust manufacturing techniques, compromising safety. Therefore, it is imperative to select lithium battery manufacturers with a proven track record of reliability. |
BMS: Battery Management System, primarily designed for the intelligent management and maintenance of individual battery cells. It prevents overcharging and over-discharging, extends battery lifespan, and monitors battery status.Its key functions include: real-time monitoring of battery physical parameters; battery state estimation; online diagnostics and early warning; charge, discharge and pre-charge control; balancing management and thermal management. |
3. Battery cell quality and safety |
Battery cell quality issues also significantly influence the pricing of lithium batteries of the same capacity. Differences in the materials used for lithium battery cells are another key factor affecting price variations. Sourcing channels further impact pricing, as some lithium batteries utilise imported cells while others employ domestically produced ones. Battery cell quality is further categorised into Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C products. Furthermore, some unscrupulous manufacturers resort to using second-hand cells or cells salvaged from dismantled devices, resulting in even greater price discrepancies. |
4. Differences in casing material |
Standard power supply casings typically employ ordinary plastic or metal materials, which not only offer poor heat dissipation but are also prone to deformation, compromising aesthetics. Some brands using substandard casing materials may even pose risks such as spontaneous combustion. High-quality lithium batteries generally utilise PC+ABS material, whereas ordinary batteries do not, which is one of the primary reasons for their price disparity.Summary: The cost of lithium batteries is primarily comprised of the cell, the Battery Management System (BMS), and structural components. Additional expenses include the manufacturer's assembly costs, ageing process fees, and administrative overheads. Furthermore, due to variations in technical complexity, procurement volumes, and defect rate requirements, lithium battery prices can fluctuate significantly. |