Have you ever felt confused by all the different names and types of lithium batteries, or wondered what the difference is between lithium polymer and lithium-ion batteries? Wonder no more! In this article, we’ll be covering all the different types of commonly used household lithium batteries, from lithium cylindrical batteries like CR123A to lithium coin and button cell batteries like CR2032, and talk about what they are used for. Read on to find out more!
1. Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries
Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries are rechargeable batteries used in personal gadgets and electronics like phones, powerbanks, and even electric vehicles (EVs). The difference between the two is that lithium-polymer batteries are a newer evolution of the wider category of lithium-ion batteries.
Traditional lithium-ion batteries typically use a liquid electrolyte and are packaged in metal cylindrical cases, while lithium polymer batteries use a solid or gel-like polymer electrolyte and can be packaged in flexible pouches or cells.
2. Lithium coin and button cell batteries
Lithium coin or button cell batteries are small but powerful circular-shaped batteries that are not rechargeable and are used in lightweight electronic devices like calculators, key fobs, remote controls and smartwatches. The terms “coin battery” and “button cell battery” are often used interchangeably, as they both refer to identical types of small, circular batteries. Although coin and button cell batteries are mostly lithium-based, there are also alkaline-based button cell batteries available as well.
Some examples of lithium coin and button cell batteries in our product range include the GP Lithium Coin Batteries CR2032 and GP Button Cell - Lithium CR 2016.
3. Lithium cylindrical batteries
Lithium cylindrical batteries, as the name suggests, are a wide range of cylinder-shaped non-rechargeable batteries used for a wide variety of purposes, from household appliances and motion detectors to photography depending on the variation. For example, our GP Lithium CR-P2 battery is designed specifically for digital cameras and flash photography, while the GP Lithium CR123A and GP Lithium 9V batteries are mainly used in wireless home security systems and smoke detectors.
4. Lithium AA/AAA batteries
AA/AAA battery sizes are commonly available in either single-use disposable alkaline or rechargeable nickel-metal hydride options, but lithium AA and AAA batteries are available as well, providing more power and lasting longer than regular alkaline batteries. Lithium AA and AAA batteries are rechargeable and are used in all sorts of household appliances, ranging from digital cameras, flashlights, remote controls, and handheld gaming devices. They combine the convenient and widely-used AA and AAA battery size with the power of lithium chemistry to bring you the best of both worlds.
Lithium batteries come in several different types and are used in various situations, from common household appliances to powering electric vehicles and even industrial usage. Although usually pricier than batteries with other chemistries, they are worth every penny in terms of the power and reliability they provide. If you’re interested, check out our range of lithium batteries as well as other types of speciality batteries here at GP Batteries today!
