Replacing Lead-Acid and Nickel-Cadmium Stationary Batteries with Lithium-Ion – It’s Not a Simple Swap

The rapid advancement and adoption of lithium-ion batteries in battery electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems has people considering replacing their existing lead-acid and nickel-cadmium stationary batteries with lithium-ion. The potential space and weight savings can be substantial however safety, reliability, and cost are major considerations. Lithium-ion batteries pose fire risks and increased building fire loads that lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries do not present. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries have reliability issues, not present in lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries, which must be addressed. Inserting lithium-ion batteries into traditional lead-acid and nickel-cadmium roles is not a simple battery swap. The additional costs and risks must be carefully evaluated when considering a swap from traditional technologies to lithium-ion batteries.