We work with installers, repairers, and rental service providers in the industry to provide a wide range of solutions for homes, communities, and businesses. Whether you are currently in the industry (forklifts, lifts, tractors, trucks, transport, floor cleaning machines), energy storage (home, commercial and industrial, UPS), marine (outboard engines, kayaks), or vehicles (starter batteries, golf carts, scooters, camper vans, motorcycles), this guide can provide you with advice to help you make an informed decision.
This guide will teach you about the considerations and battery options for lithium iron phosphate (LFP), nickel manganese cobalt (NMC), and lead-acid batteries used in industrial, energy storage, marine, and vehicle applications.
As the manufacturer behind the battery distributor, we are here to better serve local equipment manufacturers and battery retailers by providing a more comprehensive power solution with lithium and lead-acid batteries, expanding the market, and increasing your brand influence.
- In this comprehensive guide, you will know
- Energy storage solution options and considerations
- Industrial battery solution options and considerations
- Marine battery solution options and considerations
- Automotive starter battery solution options and considerations
With 16 years of experience and communication with cell manufacturers, Kexin has written this battery purchasing guide to help dealers.
So let’s get started!
Battery Dealer Buyer's Guide options and their benefits
Battery comparison overview table
Criteria | LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) | NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) | Lead-Acid | Sodium-Ion |
Energy Density (Wh/kg) | 90–160 | 150–220 | 30–50 | 100–150 |
Cycle Life | 2,000–7,000 cycles | 1,000–2,000 cycles | 300–500 cycles | 2,000+ cycles |
Cost per kWh | Moderate (declining over time) | Higher (due to cobalt, nickel) | Low | Currently moderate, expected to decrease |
Safety | Very high (thermally stable, non-flammable) | Moderate (potential for thermal runaway) | Low (prone to leakage, thermal instability) | High (non-flammable) |
Efficiency (%) | 90–95 | 85–90 | 70–85 | 90–95 |
Charging Speed | Fast | Moderate | Slow | Comparable to LFP |
Weight | Lightweight | Moderate (heavier than LFP) | Heavy | Moderate (lighter than lead-acid) |
Temperature Range | -20°C to 60°C | 0°C to 40°C | -10°C to 40°C | -20°C to 60°C |
Environmental Impact | Low (no toxic metals) | Higher (cobalt mining concerns) | High (lead contamination) | Low (no rare metals or toxic components) |
Self-discharge Rate | Low (<3% per month) | Moderate (5–10% per month) | High (15–20% per month) | Low (<3% per month) |
Application Areas | Energy storage, EVs, marine, solar systems | EVs, portable electronics, industrial use | UPS, backup systems, automotive starters | Energy storage, grid balancing, industrial |
Recyclability | Moderate (growing recycling infrastructure) | Limited (complex recycling process) | High (well-established recycling system) | Moderate (new technology, infrastructure growing) |
Energy-to-Weight Ratio | High | Very High | Low | Moderate |
Maturity of Technology | Mature, widely adopted | Mature, widely used in EVs | Very mature (old technology) | Emerging technology (in early commercial phase) |
Cost Trend | Declining steadily | High but gradually decreasing | Stable | Expected to decrease significantly |
Toxicity | Low | High (due to cobalt and nickel) | Very high (lead and sulfuric acid) | Low |
Disposal Challenges | Minimal | Complex due to hazardous materials | Significant due to lead content | Minimal (similar to LFP) |
Power Density (W/kg) | 2,000–10,000 | 1,500–3,000 | 180–400 | 1,500–3,500 |
LFP battery
Lithium-ion battery. Thanks to its high power density, high efficiency, and long cycle life,
Application examples: industrial, marine, and industrial energy storage space systems.
Common specifications: 48V 105Ah, 96V 400Ah, 144V 200Ah.
NMC battery
Lithium-ion battery. Thanks to its high power density, high efficiency, and long cycle life, technological developments have made lithium-ion batteries safer and more cost-effective.
Application examples: starter batteries, marine batteries, residential and industrial energy storage space systems.
Common specifications: 12 50Ah, 24V 100Ah, 36V 200Ah
Lead-acid batteries
Lead-acid batteries are known for their reliability and cost-effectiveness and are most widely used in vehicle scenarios. However, they are gradually being replaced in society because their cycle life is much shorter than lithium-ion batteries.
Sodium-ion batteries
Sodium-ion batteries are an alternative to lithium-ion batteries. They have a longer lifespan and are less expensive, making them ideal for energy storage.
Options for energy storage solutions and considerations
Types of energy storage batteries
The choice of battery type is crucial. Common types include:
Battery Type | Features | Applications |
NMC Battery | High energy density, lengthy lifespan | Residential, business, utility-scale |
LFP battery | Cost-effective, High safety | Back-up power, off-grid systems |
Scalability
Whether scalability is possible in the energy storage battery determines whether it can meet the customer’s growing needs and integrate additional power.
Efficiency and performance
Performance is a critical factor in evaluating batteries. Look for high round-trip performance, which indicates the battery’s charging and discharging performance. Efficiency indicators such as capacity, power output, and response time should be aligned with your power needs.
Compatibility
Integration between batteries and inverters, and with existing equipment, ensures that the battery system can be easily combined with solar panels or wind turbines. This combination maximizes the use of clean energy and improves the system’s overall efficiency.
Safety and regulations
Safety is non-negotiable. To avoid risks, ensure the battery complies with industry requirements and guidelines. Look for a thermal management system and a sturdy room to improve safety.
- Certification for the American market: UL, IEEE, NEC, CSA.
- European market certification: CE, IEC, VDE.
- Shipping requirements: UN 38.3, IATA, IMDG, DOT.
Industrial battery solution options and considerations
In the commercial sector, selecting the ideal battery is critical to ensuring operational efficiency and reliability. Industrial batteries are used in various applications, including production, material handling (forklift batteries, lift batteries), and backup power systems. Below, I will discuss the different types of commercial batteries and their particular benefits.
Battery Type | Pros | Cros |
Lead-Acid Battery | Low initial investment, high payback | Requires regular maintenance |
NMC Battery | High energy density, Quick charging, Low maintenance | Expensive |
LFP Battery | Long cycle life, high temperature | Poor low-temperature performance |
Capacity and power output
The capacity of an industrial battery determines the operating time, whether it is a mining truck or forklift battery. Choose a battery that matches the power requirements of the equipment. In addition, you should also consider the power output to ensure that the battery can provide the necessary power required for regular operation. The commonly used capacity is 96V 250AH – 144V 412Ah.
Internal structure
Industrial environments can be harsh, so the battery’s internal structure also determines the lithium battery’s service life. You should choose a battery with a sturdy structure that can withstand physical shocks, temperature changes, and chemical erosion to achieve the expected life.
Charging time
Fast charging determines downtime. Efficient battery charging can reduce power waste and functional costs. In the industrial sector, time means money.
Temperature range and stability
Industrial batteries should be able to operate normally over a wide temperature range. Batteries that remain safe in extreme temperatures prevent efficiency loss and ensure a stable power supply, crucial to maintaining productivity in a changing environment.
Maintenance requirements
To reduce unexpected downtime, industrial batteries require regular maintenance, such as external battery inspection and positive and negative pole inspection.
Safety and security features
Safety is crucial in a commercial environment. Choose batteries with safety features such as overcharge protection, thermal monitoring systems, and short circuit protection.
Marine battery options and their advantages
Types of marine batteries
Marine batteries are generally divided into three main types: starting batteries, deep-cycle batteries, and dual-purpose batteries, each with specific uses and advantages.
Battery Type | Key Use | Benefits |
Beginning Batteries | Engine ignition | High ruptured of power for fast engine start |
Deep Cycle Batteries | Powering appliances and electronic devices | Long-lasting power, made for normal discharge |
Twin Purpose Batteries | Both ignition and powering tools | Flexibility, suitable for smaller vessels |
Key features to consider
When selecting a marine battery, you should consider capacity and capacity ranking. Capacity, expressed in ampere-hours (Ah), indicates how long the battery can supply power, while capacity ranking reflects the battery’s ability to provide power to critical systems in an emergency. In addition, look for a durable battery that can withstand resonance and rust, as these are common problems in the marine environment.
Waterproofing
Marine batteries should be able to operate generally in high humidity and high salt environments without being disconnected or malfunctioning due to external influences.
Battery chemistry and technology
Marine batteries are available in various chemistries, including lead acid, AGM (absorbed glass mat), and lithium-ion.
Lead acid batteries are affordable and reliable, while AGM batteries offer improved performance and are maintenance-free.
Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive but offer higher energy density, lighter weight, and longer life.
Tips for installation and maintenance
As batteries are often exposed to humid and high-salt environments, ensuring that they are securely placed and connected with limited corrosion and that routine maintenance is carried out, including monitoring the electrolyte level and cleaning the terminals, is essential to ensure reliable operation.
Car battery options and their benefits
Selecting the correct battery in the vehicle application field ensures optimal performance and longevity. There are various options on the market, each with unique benefits to meet specific needs and truck types. Understanding these options can help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Battery types
The first consideration is the type of battery that is right for your vehicle. Common types include:
Battery Type | Characteristics |
Lead-Acid | Cost-effective, widely utilized, ideal for a lot of cars. |
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) | Higher performance, maintenance-free, ideal for start-stop systems. |
Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) | Long life period, thermal security, safety |
NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) | High power thickness, well balanced performance, ideal for high-power applications |
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)
Cold-cranking amps (CCA) are a key indicator of a battery’s ability to start the engine in freezing temperatures. A high CCA value ensures reliable starting in winter conditions.
Reserve capacity (RC)
Reserve capacity indicates the time the battery can supply power in the event of a generator failure. The longer the access time, the longer the battery will maintain vital functions, which is critical in an emergency.
Size and fit
It is important to ensure that the battery matches the specifications of your vehicle. Check the size and terminal arrangement to avoid compatibility issues. Refer to your car handbook for support.
Conclusion
As a battery distributor manufacturer, our extensive product line can help customers from different fields create their lithium battery products. Suppose you happen to be a distributor of motorcycles, cars, trucks, tractors, scooters, transporters, caravans, boats, toys, alarm and emergency systems, floor cleaning machines, aerial work platforms, golf carts, electric scooters, UPS. In that case, whether you need a starter, traction, or sealed battery, you can find a solution at Keheng.
We hope that this buying guide will help you choose the suitable battery pack for your needs!
2 thoughts on “Battery dealer’s guide to buying lithium batteries”
Que baterias son mas recomendables para carros de golf Club Car. de 48 volt y 100ah
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