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Battery types explained
Five chemistries you will see in vans, cabins and homes, and how they differ.
| Type | Cycle life | Usable capacity | Charging below freezing | Weight | Upfront cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) | Thousands of cycles; one manufacturer rates 3,000-5,000 | Most of rated capacity (80-100% per that manufacturer) | Not permitted without heating or special cells; a BMS typically blocks it | Light for the energy stored | Higher |
| NMC lithium-ion | Varies widely by cell and use | High | Not permitted (consumer Li-ion) | Lightest of these | Higher |
| AGM (sealed lead-acid) | Hundreds of cycles; one manufacturer cites about 300-500 at 50% discharge | About half of rated capacity for good life | Tolerated at reduced current | Heavy | Lower |
| Gel (sealed lead-acid) | Lead-acid family; varies by product | Lead-acid family: limited depth for good life | Tolerated at reduced current | Heavy | Lower to moderate |
| Flooded lead-acid | Lead-acid family; varies by product and care | Lead-acid family: limited depth for good life | Tolerated at reduced current; a discharged battery can freeze and crack | Heavy | Lowest |
What the differences mean
Cold weather. Battery University says lithium-ion should not be charged below 0°C (32°F), because metallic lithium can plate on the anode and permanently harm performance and safety. Lead-acid can be charged below freezing at a reduced rate, but freezing a discharged lead-acid battery can damage it. For cold climates, look for lithium batteries with built-in heating or keep them in a heated space.
Safety. Battery University describes LiFePO4 as having good thermal stability compared with other lithium chemistries. Every lithium battery should have a battery management system (BMS). Flooded lead-acid batteries can give off hydrogen when charging and need ventilation and topping up with water.
Cost. Lithium costs more upfront; it lasts more cycles and gives more usable capacity per rated amp-hour, so cost over its life is often lower. Actual prices change, so compare them on our Deals pages.
What about solid-state batteries?
Every battery in the table above moves charge through an electrolyte, which in lithium-ion batteries is usually a liquid. A solid-state battery swaps that liquid for a solid material, such as a ceramic or a polymer. Developers hope this can store more energy in the same space and improve safety.
Where it stands. Battery University says a lot of research and development is going into different solid electrolytes, that each type still has challenges to work through before the technology is mature, and that no clear winning technology has emerged yet. Most of the work is aimed at electric cars. QuantumScape, one of the companies developing solid-state cells, presents its technology as a way to get past the energy-density limits of today's lithium-ion batteries in EVs. You may also see "semi-solid-state" batteries advertised. These are not the same thing: they still contain some liquid or gel electrolyte, so check the maker's own specs rather than going by the name.
What this means for you. For a van, cabin or home system today, LiFePO4 is still the practical choice. It is widely available and well understood, and it has the cycle life and safety record described above. There is no need to put a build on hold waiting for solid-state batteries.
Figures vary by product and use. Check the maker's datasheet for the battery you buy.
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