Battery Technologies

Lead Flooded

A standard flooded lead-acid battery has been around for 100+ years. It's cheap, stable, and great for high cranking amp demand of most automobiles. It is terrible for long-term energy storage.

There are two types: thin plate (high cranking amps) and thick plate (better energy storage, less cranking). Modern versions use calcium-based lead plates, which reduces gassing and requires no maintenance.

Average lifespan: 3–6 years

Lead AGM — Absorbent Glass Mat

AGM batteries provide superior power to support the higher electrical demands of today's vehicles and start-stop applications. They are filled with glass fibers which soak up the electrolyte, creating a sealed, spill-proof battery that can be positioned at any angle.

Average lifespan: 4–7 years with a sharp fall-off

Lithium Ion (Li-ion)

Lithium Ion is super energy-dense with a great long-term track record for longevity. It gets a bad rap in the news because of volatile potential when abused or overcharged. In all off-grid applications, batteries are made large enough to avoid overheating, and all cells at Mac's are monitored by a BMS which shuts off charge at programmed temperature limits.

Average cycle life: ~4,000 cycles (20% capacity degradation)

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4 / LFP)

LFP batteries are becoming incredibly popular because of their lower cost, greatly improved safety, low toxicity, and long cycle life. LFP uses lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material with a graphitic carbon anode. LFP is finding widespread use in off-grid, vehicle, and utility-scale applications.

Average cycle life: 3,000–6,000 cycles (20% capacity degradation)

Lithium Titanium Oxide (LTO)

LTO is a modified lithium-ion battery that uses lithium-titanate nanocrystals instead of carbon on the anode surface. This enables extremely fast charging — capable of 8C continuous charge/discharge and can reach full charge in about 10 minutes from empty. The tradeoff is much lower energy density.

Average cycle life: 15,000–30,000 cycles