Lithium Vs. Lead-Acid Motorcycle Battery Comparison (2024)

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of a lithium motorcycle battery? ›

Conclusion. In conclusion, lithium-ion batteries offer a plethora of benefits, including high energy density, long cycle life, and fast charging. However, they also come with drawbacks such as cost, limited lifespan, safety concerns, environmental impact, and temperature sensitivity.

One of the most serious issues with standard lead-acid batteries is their rapid self-discharge rate, which causes them to lose power even while not in use. Lithium batteries, on the contrary hand, have a significantly lower self-discharge rate, which indicates they can hold their charge for much longer.

But often I get the question, are lithium-based batteries worth their higher cost? The short answer is yes. They are lighter, have a slower discharge rate, and perform better in cold temperatures. But they are more expensive and could require special chargers depending on the type.

Lead-acid batteries cost less up front, but they have a shorter lifespan and require regular maintenance to keep them running properly. Lithium batteries are much more expensive up front, but they are maintenance-free and have a longer lifespan to match their higher price tag.

The major issue with lithium-ion batteries overheating is a phenomenon known as thermal runaway. In this process, the excessive heat promotes the chemical reaction that makes the battery work, thus creating even more heat and ever more chemical reactions in a disastrous spiral.

If top performance is a priority in your riding experience, you may prefer a lithium motorcycle battery. With advantages such as compactness, lighter weight, slower discharge rate, quicker charging times, and superior cranking amps—you really can't do better than a lithium LiFeP04 battery.

The average lifespan of a motorcycle battery ranges from 2 to 5 years for lead-acid models and 5 to 10 years for lithium-ion types. These values depend on the battery's quality, chemistry, construction, and other characteristics.

With an inbuilt BMS you can charge your lithium battery directly from the bikes alternator without shortening their life and you will never need to balance the cells with an external BMS system.

Service life. Lithium-ion batteries last 3-4 times longer than lead-acid batteries, without losing effectiveness over time.

Lithium batteries don't support a trickle-charge in the way a lead-acid battery does. We recommend to make periodically a 30 minutes charge (every 2 months). Never charge the battery with a higher current than 2C (2C corresponds to 2 x the battery capacity).

Do I need a special charger for a lithium motorcycle battery? ›

Many battery brands and manufacturers, including OPTIMA, recommend charging lithium batteries with a charger that is specifically designed for lithium batteries or has specific charger settings for lithium batteries.

To jump start a car or motorcycle, you need a portable equipment called a lithium battery jump starter. It replaces bulkier and potentially dangerous lead-acid jump starters. Because they are less likely to overheat, jump starters powered by lithium batteries are also a better choice for use in hot weather.

You can use a lead acid charger on a lithium battery if you want, HOWEVER, you must NOT use a lead-acid charger if it has an automatic “equalisation mode” which cannot be permanently turned off.

A Lithium Ion Technologies® battery can hold a full charge for over 1 year and has virtually no self discharge. Lead batteries can lose up to 30% of their capacity per month due to self discharging.

All lead acid batteries will gradually lose power capacity due to a process called sulphation which causes a rise in the batteries internal resistance. When batteries are left at a low state of charge for a long period that process can be rapidly accelerated.

The average lifespan of a motorcycle battery ranges from 2 to 5 years for lead-acid models and 5 to 10 years for lithium-ion types. These values depend on the battery's quality, chemistry, construction, and other characteristics.