What Is a Lithium Titanate Battery?

Lithium titanate battery is a kind of negative electrode material for lithium ion battery – lithium titanate, which can form 2.4V or 1.9V lithium ion secondary battery with positive electrode materials such as lithium manganate, ternary material or lithium iron phosphate. In addition, it can also be used as a positive electrode to form a 1.5V lithium secondary battery with a metal lithium or lithium alloy negative electrode.

Here’s a breakdown of the LTO battery chemistry:

· Anode: Lithium titanate (Li₄Ti₅O₁₂)

· Cathode: Commonly lithium manganese oxide (LiMn₂O₄) or lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄), though other materials can also be used.

· Electrolyte: A lithium salt dissolved in an organic solvent.

· Separator: A porous material that allows lithium ions to pass through but keeps the anode and cathode from touching.

Advantages Of Lithium Titanate Battery

1. Good security and stability

The potential of lithium ion titanate battery is higher than that of pure metal lithium, it is not easy to generate lithium dendrites, the discharge voltage is stable, and, therefore, the safety performance of lithium batteries is improved. Lithium titanate batteries have been tested and found that under severe tests such as acupuncture, extrusion, and short circuit, there is no smoke, no fire, and no explosion, and the safety is much higher than other lithium batteries.

2. Excellent fast charging performance

Compared with carbon anode materials, lithium titanate batteries have a higher lithium ion diffusion coefficient and can be charged and discharged at high rates. While greatly shortening the charging time, the impact on the cycle life is small, and the thermal stability is also strong. The lithium titanate battery can be fully charged in about ten minutes.

3. Long cycle life

The lithium titanate battery can be fully charged and discharged for more than 30,000 cycles. After 10 years of use as a power battery, it may be used as an energy storage battery for another 20 years. The user does not need to replace the battery in actual use, and hardly increases the later cost.

4. Good resistance to wide temperature

Generally, electric vehicles will have problems when charging and discharging at minus 10 ℃. lithium ion titanate battery has good wide temperature resistance and strong durability. It can be charged and discharged normally at minus 50 ℃ to minus 60 ℃. In the north country, or in the hot south, the vehicle will not be affected by the “shock” of the battery, which eliminates the user’s worries.

Disadvantages Of Lithium Titanate Battery

Lower Energy Density

LTO batteries generally have lower energy density than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This means they store less energy per unit weight or volume, which can be a limitation in applications where space and weight are critical factors.

Higher Cost

The price of lithium ion titanate battery is high (high production cost and high humidity control requirements), about $1.6USD per watt-hour, and the gap between lithium iron phosphate battery and LTO battery is about $0.4 USD per watt-hour.

Applications for LTO batteries

Lithium titanate batteries find applications across various sectors due to their unique properties:

• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Some EV manufacturers opt for LTO technology because it allows for fast charging capabilities and long cycle life, essential for electric mobility.
• Grid Energy Storage: LTO batteries are ideal for stabilizing power grids by storing excess energy generated from renewable sources like wind and solar power. Their rapid discharge capabilities help balance supply and demand effectively.
• Public Transport: Buses and trams benefit from quick recharging times during short stops at stations or terminals.
• Consumer Electronics: Certain high-performance gadgets utilize LTO technology for rapid charging, enhancing user experience in laptops and smartphones.

How do lithium titanate batteries compare to other battery technologies?

When comparing lithium titanate batteries with other popular battery technologies like traditional lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries, several vital differences emerge:

This comparison highlights that while each battery type has strengths and weaknesses, lithium titanate stands out regarding safety and longevity.

Are LTO Batteries Worth Buying?

LTO batteries are an excellent choice for high-end applications where performance, safety, and longevity outweigh cost considerations. With outstanding cycle life, robust charge and discharge capabilities, and reliable performance in extreme temperatures, LTO batteries are ideal for niche markets requiring high-precision, high-performance battery solutions. However, due to the high price of raw materials like titanium, LTO batteries are unlikely to see widespread market adoption and will remain reserved for specialized applications where their unique attributes provide significant value.