Before purchasing battery for UPS, you can sort the necessary models by manufacturing technology in our general catalog. Similarly, selection by parameters will allow you to focus on solutions with LiFePO4 or Li-Ion battery when searching for the optimal charging station. And if you are just about to purchase UPS, we also recommend that you read the material “How to choose UPS”. We also recommend reading the article “How to choose a battery for a UPS”< /a>.

Li-Ion vs LiFePO4: composition and scope of application

First of all, it is worth noting that lithium-ion batteries are collective term for batteries with lithium and graphite in their composition. At the same time, the cathodes here can be different, and this is what largely determines the final performance characteristics of the battery.

Thus, in typical lithium-ion batteries, the cathode is made of cobalt, manganese, or combinations thereof. Let’s say that in charging stations there are even more complex “recipes” of positively charged particles, containing nickel, cadmium and manganese. The latest variety is called Li-Ion NMC. Such batteries allow you to increase the total power at stable voltage, and therefore, for example, they are widely used by EcoFlow along with LiFePO4 models.

The characteristic features of most lithium-ion batteries include high energy density. This means that they can combine compact size and light weight with fairly large battery capacity. Today, Li-Ion batteries are familiar to us, because they are used in smartphones, laptops and various other gadgets. They are also quite widely represented among UPS batteries.

These are the “internals” that capacious lithium-ion batteries have.

Strictly speaking, the lithium iron phosphate battery LiFePO4 is also type of Li-Ion. At the same time, this technology is one of the most modern and definitely the most progressive so far. The cathode here consists of lithium ferrophosphate. It is heavier than other lithium batteries, but has many other advantages, including in terms of durability, reliability and general safety.

LiFePO4 has become widespread due to its use in solar panels and electric vehicles. But now they are actively penetrating into many other areas.

LiFePO4 batteries are often made in different form factor.

Until recently, classic lithium-ion and advanced iron phosphate batteries practically did not compete with each other. The former dominate among mobile gadgets and computer technology, the latter in the automotive industry. But in charging stations and in UPS batteries they intersect and can act as an alternative to each other. What to choose LiFePO4 or Li-Ion?

Charging stations with Li-Ion battery

Comparison of LiFePO4 and Li-Ion according to various parameters

To understand which battery is best, you need to compare the most important performance characteristics and prices, and only then make decision for yourself. First of all, it is worth noting the common features common to all lithium batteries today, namely:

  • no memory effect;
  • readiness for deep discharge (up to 90% and above);
  • low self-discharge rate when idle;
  • quite fast charging process, compared to traditional car batteries, for example, with EFB technology.

But the difference between LiFePO4 and Li-Ion is still quite noticeable. Let's look at the differences in parameters that are important for backup power supply systems:

  • Safety. When powering high-power devices, batteries can become hot, which, for example, can affect the chemical stability of the battery. In general, overheating, fire and even explosion are possible for lithium-ion models, but such force majeure events are usually prevented by built-in electronics (special controllers). LiFePO4 can withstand increased temperatures better and does not release oxygen during operation, so fire is practically excluded. Overall, lithium iron phosphate can be considered safer choice.
In terms of durability, lithium iron phosphate batteries are significantly ahead.
  • Working life (number of charge-discharge cycles without loss of performance). For backup power supply systems, battery life is very important parameter. It is worth saying that lithium technologies are definitely better than, for example, gel batteries. The latter, when discharged over 50%, can withstand up to 500 cycles on average. Conventional Li-Ion have service life of at least 1000 cycles, and, for example, Li-Ion NMC - even under 2000. But according to this criterion, the undisputed leader is LiFePO4, which does not lose power even longer - from 3000 to 8000 cycles. Degradation in practice occurs somewhere in 7 - 10 years (and in solar panels the life cycle is even longer - over 20 years). In general, iron phosphate batteries usually have lifespan that is 2 times longer than Li-Ion.
  • Energy density (as well as dimensions and weight). In simple words, this is how much battery capacity can fit in unit of volume or mass. The higher the density (energy intensity), the more compact and lighter the battery can be. For LiFePO4 it ranges from 90 to 150 W*h/kg. That is, charging station battery with capacity of 500 Wh will weigh at least 3.5 kg (but rather closer to 5 kg). The density of Li-Ion is noticeably higher, up to 260 Wh/kg (as, for example, in lithium-cobalt variations). That is, the same 500 Wh can “fit” in 2-kilogram case. Accordingly, in terms of compactness and lightness, traditional lithium-ion batteries are superior to LiFePO4.
Charging stations with LiFePO4 batteries are quite heavy.
  • Voltage values. For lithium-ion battery, the corresponding nominal value is 3.7 V, and for an iron-phosphate battery - 3.2 V. From physics point of view, such difference should provide certain advantages to Li-Ion when powering more powerful equipment, and also have positive effect on the speed of the charging process. But in reality, there is not much difference in practice, since LiFePO4 more stably keeps the operating voltage around the nominal (plus it can deliver more current), and for lithium-ion analogues, the operating figures decrease more actively when the battery is discharged, down to 2.8 V. That is, due to Due to their stability, iron-phosphate batteries eliminate the loss in volts.
  • Operating temperatures. All lithium batteries do not like cold weather, that is, with negative numbers on the thermometer, their performance characteristics decrease (and above all, overall performance sags). But there are still differences between solutions with different technologies. Li-Ion generally cannot be charged at sub-zero temperatures, while LiFePO4 operating temperatures range is usually wider. At the same time, the final word often remains with the manufacturer of particular device. Thus, BLUETTI PowerOak EB55 can be used in cold weather, but competitor with similar iron-phosphate battery - EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max - is not (lower limit 0 °C).
In cold weather, all lithium batteries do not feel very good, but there are exceptions.
  • Environmental friendliness. Without doubt, backup power supply system based on UPS or charging stations is greener product than gasoline generators. But there are some nuances here too. Thus, batteries require proper disposal, and, for example, cobalt and cadmium, which are part of some lithium-ion batteries (including Li-Ion NMC) can have negative impact on the environment and human health. In this aspect, LiFePO4 analogues are more environmentally friendly choice.

Separately, it is worth talking about prices. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are relatively new technology, but compared to lithium-ion analogs, the manufacturing process is even cheaper (for example, production does not require special workshop to work with toxic cobalt). But due to the novelty of LiFePO4 in such ready-made solutions as charging stations, manufacturers are not yet in hurry to reduce prices. As result, lithium-ion models are still cheaper per unit of capacity (Wh), which can be clearly seen in the selection. With battery for UPS, everything is less clear, because you need to make allowances for voltage and capacity. In general, there are no tangible gaps in price.

Charging stations with LiFePO4 battery

For clarity, the main distinguishing features of lithium-ion and iron-phosphate batteries are summarized in the table:

Comparison options Li-Ion LiFePO4
Safety average maximum
Work resource from 1000 cycles from 3000+ cycles
Weight and dimensions minimal more than Li-Ion by 25 - 30%
Charging in cold weather unacceptable sometimes acceptable
Environmental friendliness low (since most Li-Ions have cobalt) high

When to choose charging station or battery for LiFePO4 UPS?

You should choose lithium iron phosphate batteries for autonomous power supply systems if you:

  • you have to connect powerful devices;
  • you will need to use charging station or UPS in difficult conditions (both temperature and in terms of serious peak loads, deep discharge), ensuring maximum safety (without the risk of fires and explosions);
  • durability is more important than cost;
  • permanent installation is suitable and there is no need to move the UPS or charging station, there is place to place them;
  • relatively environmentally friendly solution is required.
In highly loaded systems, lithium iron phosphate batteries are preferred.

Overall, LiFePO4 power backup systems outperform the competition in terms of versatility, heavy-duty capability, overall endurance, stability, and durability. Thus, the most powerful charging stations are based on batteries using this technology. And this is no coincidence. Let’s say, if you want to power your entire apartment, or even more so house, and you understand that this is long-term investment, then it is advisable to consider lithium iron phosphate batteries.

When is it worth taking charging station or UPS with Li-Ion battery?

Traditional lithium-ion solutions are relevant if you:

  • Are you planning portable use (you will take the charging station on hike, on trips, etc.);
  • experiencing shortage of space;
  • are not going to intensively load the backup power supply system;
  • you need temporary solution (you don’t want to overpay for durability, although in this case even AGM batteries can be considered);
  • limited in budget.
When hiking and other conditions where mobility is important, lithium-ion batteries have their trump cards.

For gentle operation, for example, providing power only to a gas boiler, refrigerator or office PC, Li-Ion batteries are well suited. They are preferable for the most cramped conditions, because, all other things being equal, they are noticeably more compact than LiFePO4, and also when the system needs to be moved frequently. Plus, the price factor should not be forgotten, because if UPS or charging station is solution purely for emergency cases, then service life of approximately 3–4 years should be quite enough.

It can be assumed that LiFePO4 batteries will be used more and more often, and prices for the same charging stations with them will soon decrease. As result, their superiority over other lithium technologies will only strengthen. And then the main arguments in favor of ordinary Li-Ion models will be only lightness and compactness.