AGM Battery VS Lithium – Do You Know the Difference?

The debate between AGM battery VS Lithium is one that has been going on for years and continues to be a hot topic among those in the outdoor, automotive and power industries. Both types of batteries have their advantages and disadvantages, so it can be difficult to choose between them. In this article, I’ll dive into the details of these two types of batteries, their cost, and which is the best option for different applications.

Introduction to the Great Battery Debate: AGM Battery VS Lithium

When it comes to powering vehicles and other machines, batteries are essential. Depending on the application, different types of batteries can be used to provide the power needed. Lithium and AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries are two of the most popular types of batteries, and the debate over which type of battery is the best has been going on for some time.

Lithium batteries have become increasingly popular due to their lightweight, long life, and reliable performance. However, they are also more expensive than AGM batteries, which have been around for decades and have proven to be reliable and cost-effective. This article will compare and contrast these two types of batteries and discuss the better option for different applications.

Different types of batteries and how do they work?

Before diving into the debate between lithium and AGM batteries, let’s first examine how both types of batteries work.

Lithium batteries are rechargeable batteries that use lithium ions to store energy. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lithium-polymer (Li-Po) are classified into two types. Li-ion batteries are the most common and are used in everything from cell phones to electric cars. They are lightweight and have a high energy density, meaning they can store more energy in a smaller package.

AGM batteries are also rechargeable and use lead-acid technology to store energy. The acid is absorbed by an absorbent glass mat, which gives the battery its name. AGM batteries are heavier and have a lower energy density than Li-ion batteries, but they are much more affordable and have a higher power output.

Advantages and disadvantages of lithium batteries:

Advantages:

• Lithium batteries have several advantages over AGM batteries.
• The most notable is their weight; Li-ion batteries are much lighter than AGM batteries, making them ideal for applications that require a lightweight power source.
• They also have a higher energy density, so they can store more energy in a smaller package.
• Additionally, Li-ion batteries have a lower self-discharge rate, meaning they can maintain their charge for longer periods of time.

Drawbacks:

However, Li-ion batteries also have some drawbacks:

• They may not be an option for those on a budget as they are more expensive than AGM Batteries.
• Additionally, they require more maintenance, as they need to be monitored and recharged more frequently than AGM batteries.

You check myarticle on the “3 Best Deep Cycle Lithium Batteries 12 Volts” to find the best battery for your application.

Advantages and disadvantages of AGM batteries

Advantages:

• AGM batteries have been around for decades and have proven to be reliable and cost-effective.
• They are much more affordable than Li-ion batteries, so they are a good option for those on a budget.
• AGM batteries are more durable than Li-ion batteries and can withstand more abuse.
• They also have a higher power output, so they are ideal for applications that require a lot of power.

Drawbacks:

However, AGM batteries also have some drawbacks:

• They are much heavier than Li-ion batteries, so they are not ideal for applications that require a lightweight power source.
• Additionally, they have a lower energy density, so they cannot store as much energy in a smaller package.

If you are looking for the best AGM Batteries to buy but you are still not sure about which one, you can look at my article on the “3 Best Deep Cycle AGM Batteries 12 volts.”

Factors to consider when choosing between lithium and AGM

1. Cost:

Cost is one of the main factors when choosing between the two, as lithium batteries are typically more expensive than AGM batteries. Lithium batteries typically come with a longer life span than AGM batteries, making them a better value in the long run.

1. Weight

Weight is another factor to consider when making a decision. Lithium batteries are typically lighter than AGM batteries, making them a better choice if weight is a concern. Lithium batteries are also more energy dense than AGM batteries, meaning they can store more energy in a smaller package.

1. Charging

Lithium batteries are often the better choice for applications requiring frequent charging and discharging, such as electric vehicles. Lithium batteries can handle frequent charging and discharging better than AGM batteries, making them more reliable for these applications.

1. Environmental Impact

Finally, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of the battery type you choose. Lithium batteries are considered to be more environmentally friendly than AGM batteries. Although lithium batteries are more expensive, their environmental impact may be worth the extra cost.

The cost of lithium and AGM batteries

Li-ion batteries are much more expensive than AGM batteries, but the cost varies depending on the type of battery and its capacity. Generally, Li-ion batteries are more expensive than AGM batteries, so they may not be an option for those on a budget.

However, the cost of AGM batteries also varies depending on the type and capacity. Generally, AGM batteries are more affordable than Li-ion batteries, so they are a good option for those on a budget.

Battery maintenance and lifespan

Battery maintenance is an important factor when choosing between Li-ion and AGM batteries. Li-ion batteries require more maintenance than AGM batteries, as they need to be monitored and recharged more frequently.

 Li-ion batteries have a shorter lifespan than AGM batteries; they typically last for around 500 to 800(at 50%) charge cycles, while AGM batteries can last up to 1500 charge cycles.

Best applications for lithium and AGM batteries

Now that we’ve looked at the pros and cons of lithium and AGM batteries let’s look at the best applications for each type of battery.

Li-ion batteries are ideal for applications that require a lightweight power source, such as cell phones, laptops, electric vehicles, etc. They are also ideal for applications that require a lot of power in a small package, such as power tools.

AGM batteries are ideal for applications that require a lot of power, such as boats, RVs, winches and off-road vehicles. They are also ideal for applications that require a reliable and cost-effective power source, such as emergency power supplies.

Conclusion

The debate between Li-ion and AGM batteries has been going on for years, and there is no clear winner. Both types of batteries have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider the cost, weight, power output, maintenance, and lifespan when deciding which type of battery is the best option for your application.

Li-ion is the way to go if you’re looking for a lightweight, high-performance battery. However, if you’re looking for a reliable and cost-effective battery, AGM is the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your needs and your budget.

I tested and reviewed several batteries of both type. To help you with your selection you can look at both of my articles on  Deep Cycle AGM Batteries 12 volts and on  Deep Cycle Lithium Batteries 12 Volts” to help you find the best battery for your application.

Thanks for reading! If you think I forgot something or if you simply want to share a story or some advice, feel free to leave your comment below. Be safe and have fun.!