With so many different types and sizes of batteries on the market, it can be confusing to know which one to choose as a replacement. This is where battery equivalents come in. Battery equivalents are batteries of different brands or models that have the same voltage, size, and chemistry.
Some models come with a nominal voltage of 3V and are both primary non-rechargeable, as well as secondary rechargeable lithium batteries. These batteries are commonly also called lithium-ion, lithium-ion polymer, lithium-ion, etc., which essentially depends on their electrodes, construction and electrolytes.
Lithium Batteries: These have voltages of 3.3V-3.7V. They offer a larger capacity, improved safety and higher drain current. Mostly primary or non-rechargeable, these batteries have a lithium negative electrode and a carbon-monofluoride or manganese-dioxide positive electrode.
The result is that, with the same volume occupied, a lithium battery will have up to five times the energy compared to a battery equivalent to lead / acid. Lithium-ion batteries (Li-Ion or LiCo) have an even greater starting point, but in the face of a level of safety not comparable to LiFePO4 technology for automotive applications.
Technological advances have come up with new alloys to substitute for lithium, making them a ‘lithium equivalent’, therefore falling under the same rules and guidelines as lithium. The amount of lithium (or lithium equivalent) content in a battery or battery pack can be worked out as 0.3 x amp hour capacity.
When comparing different batteries, it is important to cross-reference their specifications. Pay attention to factors such as voltage, capacity, and size to ensure that the replacement battery matches your device’s requirements. Cross-referencing will help you find the best battery equivalent for your device.