Lithium Ion Batteries (Li-ion)

Rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries or Li-ion batteries first became commercially available in the early 90s, and the technology continues to improve at a rapid pace. They have quickly become the preferred power source for hand held devices due to their small size and light weight.

Compared to the same capacity NiCD and NiMH batteries, the high energy density Li-ion chemistry reduces the cell's weight by half and the volume by 20-50%. Their self-discharge rate is less than half that of Nickel-based chemistries, and they have no memory effect.

Rechargeable Li-ion cells are more expensive than both NiCD and NiMH, and they require protection circuitry to keep voltage and current within safe levels. Additionally, all Lithium-based chemistries are subject to shipping regulations.

The advantages of Lithium-ion battery technology have enabled PDAs, portable computers, handheld electronic equipment and medical monitoring devices to become much smaller, lighter and more powerful than ever.

Links to battery suppliers' technical specifications:

Chemistry Selector Chart