Advantages of Lead-Acid Batteries

1. The Materials Used
Both Lithium-ion and Lead-acid batteries work on the same principle. The primary difference lies in the material used as cathode, anode, and electrolyte. In a lead-acid battery, lead is used as the anode, and lead oxide is used as a cathode. In a lithium-ion battery, carbon is used as the anode, and lithium oxide is used as the cathode. Lead-acid batteries use sulphuric acid as an electrolyte, and li-ion batteries use lithium salt as an electrolyte. While discharging, ions flow from anode to cathode through the electrolyte, and the opposite reaction occurs while charging.

2. Cost
Lead-acid batteries are cheaper and are easier to install when compared to Lithium-ion batteries. The price of a lithium-ion battery is two times higher than a lead-acid battery with the same capacity. However, if you compare the life of the batteries, lithium-ion lasts longer than a lead-acid battery. Hence, lead-acid batteries are cheaper only for short-term applications than lithium-ion batteries.

3 Recyclability

Lead-acid batteries are highly recyclable, with around 97% of their components being recoverable, promoting environmental sustainability.
Despite being recyclable, improper disposal can lead to environmental pollution due to lead and acid leakage.

4. Battery Capacity
Battery capacity is the amount of energy stored in a battery per unit volume. It is a direct indicator of the active material stored inside the battery. Lithium batteries have higher battery capacity when compared to lead-acid batteries.

5 Robustness
These batteries can withstand harsh conditions and are less sensitive to temperature variations than some other battery types.

6. Depth of Discharge (DOD)
Depth of Discharge indicates the maximum energy of a fully charged battery that can be used without recharging. If a battery's Depth of Discharge is 50%, you can use up to 50% of the battery capacity and recharge it. If you have used it more than 50%, the battery's life cycle will get affected. The depth of discharge is 50% for lead-acid batteries, and 80% for lithium batteries, respectively.

Conclusion
Lead-acid batteries offer a blend of benefits and drawbacks. Their cost-effectiveness and reliability make them suitable for various applications, while their weight and maintenance needs pose challenges. A balanced view of these factors is crucial for selecting the right battery for specific needs. Understanding both sides can help users harness the advantages while mitigating the disadvantages effectively.