LATEST INTELLIGENCE
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LITHIUM BATTERY APPLICATION
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Lithium-metal batteries and lithium-ion
batteries are both categorized as lithium
batteries. However, the term lithium batteries
generally refers to lithium-ion batteries, which
contain no metallic lithium and support cyclic
charge and discharge.
In 1991, SONY launched its first commercial lithiumion
battery. In 2009, Huawei began large-scale use
of lithium batteries in communications base stations.
Since 2016, the electric vehicle market, which uses
lithium batteries, has been growing exponentially.
To date, the power output of power batteries sold
by the world’s top ten lithium battery manufacturers
is equivalent to 90 GWh.
As the energy density and safety performance of
lithium-ion batteries continues to improve – and as
the cost declines – demand for lithium-ion batteries
is increasing, across communications, electric
power, electric vehicle, and data center fields.
They are becoming a next-generation, mainstream
source of energy.
1. Why Are Lithium Batteries Needed?
Lead-acid batteries have dominated the
communications industry for decades. But, due to
disadvantages such as a short cycle life, large size,
heavy weight, and environmental pollution in the
production process, the development of lead-acid
batteries is shrinking in several countries. Indeed,
telecoms giant China Tower has even decided to
halt bids for lead-acid batteries.
Lithium batteries offer several advantages, such
as high energy density, a small footprint, and a
long cycle life. As the market share of lead-acid
batteries decreases rapidly, lithium battery usage is
increasing around the globe. ◊
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