Lead Acid versus Lithium-ion White Paper Lead acid batteries can be divided into two distinct categories: flooded and sealed/valve regulated (SLA or VRLA). The two types are identical in their internal chemistry (shown in Figure 3). The most significant differences between the two types are the system level design considerations.
Compared to the lead-acid batteries, the credits arising from the end-of-life stage of LIB are much lower in categories such as acidification potential and respiratory inorganics. The unimpressive value is understandable since the recycling of LIB is still in its early stages.
The LIB outperform the lead-acid batteries. Specifically, the NCA battery chemistry has the lowest climate change potential. The main reasons for this are that the LIB has a higher energy density and a longer lifetime, which means that fewer battery cells are required for the same energy demand as lead-acid batteries. Fig. 4.
Lead acid batteries have been around for more than a century. In the fully charged state, a 2V electric potential exists between the cathode and the anode.
Life cycle assessment of lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries is performed. Three lithium-ion battery chemistries (NCA, NMC, and LFP) are analysed. NCA battery performs better for climate change and resource utilisation. NMC battery is good in terms of acidification potential and particular matter.
There is push for adapting lead-acid batteries (as part of the advanced lead acid battery initiative) as replacement for the lithium batteries in the non-western nations, as well as, in the USA reflects, therefore, predominantly to their lower price and reliability in hotter climates.