Battery and charging
What is a LiFePO4 battery and why does it last longer?
LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate, also called LFP) is a type of lithium battery rated for thousands of charge cycles and more thermally stable than other lithium chemistries. That is why many portable power stations and home backup batteries use it. The trade-off is more weight for the same amount of energy.
Advantages
Lifespan: manufacturers usually rate it for several thousand cycles before dropping to 80% of its capacity, compared with the few hundred cycles typical of other lithium batteries.
Stability: its chemistry handles heat better and is less prone to dangerous reactions if damaged, which suits equipment that charges and discharges every day.
Drawbacks and care
It stores less energy per kilogram than the NMC batteries in laptops and phones: at the same capacity, the device is heavier and larger.
Each cell has a nominal voltage of 3.2 V. Like any lithium battery, it should not be charged below 0 °C; in power stations, the battery management system (BMS) controls charging.
What to check before you buy
- For daily backup during outages, a LiFePO4 power station lasts many more years.
- Compare the cycle rating and the capacity percentage it refers to.
- If you need to carry it around and travel light, factor in its weight.
Guides to help you choose
Frequently asked questions
For frequent use, yes: it handles far more cycles, weighs less for the same usable energy, and tolerates deeper discharges with less wear.