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Types of lithium ion battery cover more than the cells in a phone: the same chemistry powers doorbells, cameras, flashlights and golf carts, in sizes from a coin cell to a pack that runs a cart for miles. The type that fits depends on the device, the voltage and whether the battery recharges. The steps below show how to tell the types apart and pick the right type for your device.
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Types of lithium ion battery: the quick answer
Lithium batteries come in cylindrical AA and AAA cells, coin cells and large packs. AA and AAA lithium batteries run at 1.5V and fit cameras, doorbells and flashlights. The CR2032 coin cell runs at 3V and fits key fobs and trackers. Large LiFePO4 packs run at 48V and power golf carts. Some lithium AA batteries recharge, and some do not, so check the listing before you charge it.
Step 1: Match the size and voltage
Match the size and voltage on the old battery before you buy. AA lithium batteries run at 1.5V: Energizer, BEVIGOR and Enegitech all list 1.5V AA batteries, and RayHom lists a rechargeable AA lithium battery at 1.5V with constant output. AAA lithium batteries run at 1.5V too, and the CR2032 coin cell runs at 3V. A large LiFePO4 pack runs at 48V: the OGRPHY pack lists 48V and 105AH. Never fit a 3V coin cell where a 1.5V AA cell belongs. Never charge a non-rechargeable lithium battery: Enegitech says do not charge its AA lithium batteries.
Step 2: Pick rechargeable or disposable
Some lithium AA batteries recharge and some do not. The RayHom AA lithium battery (on Amazon) recharges up to 1600 times and ships with a 12-slot charger that charges in 2 hours, while the Enegitech AA lithium battery (on Amazon) is non-rechargeable and says do not charge it. The Energizer and BEVIGOR AA lithium batteries (on Amazon) are disposable cells with long shelf life. A rechargeable cell suits a camera you use every day, and a disposable cell suits a spare set in storage.
Step 3: Check shelf life and temperature
Lithium batteries hold power in storage for years. The Energizer AA and AAA batteries list up to 25 years in storage, the BEVIGOR AA battery lists a 20-year shelf life, the Enegitech AA battery lists a 10-year shelf life, and the Duracell CR2032 (on Amazon) lists 10 years in storage. Lithium batteries also work in the cold: the Energizer AA and AAA batteries list from -40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and the RayHom rechargeable AA lists from -20 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit. A battery that works from -40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit suits outdoor cameras through the seasons.
| Battery | Size | Voltage | Shelf life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energizer AA | AA | 1.5V | 25 years |
| Energizer AAA | AAA | 1.5V | 25 years |
| Duracell CR2032 | Coin | 3V | 10 years |
| BEVIGOR AA | AA | 1.5V | 20 years |
| Enegitech AA | AA | 1.5V | 10 years |
| OGRPHY LiFePO4 pack | 48V pack | 48V | 4000 cycles |
The large pack: LiFePO4 for golf carts
Large lithium packs use LiFePO4 cells. The OGRPHY 48V (on Amazon) pack lists 105AH, a 200A BMS with 1000A peak current, an 18A charger and more than 4000 deep cycles at 80% depth of discharge. It lists a 50-mile range for a 3kW golf motor and a 5-year warranty. The pack lists UL certified LiFePO4 cells and a touch monitor with a mobile app. A large pack suits a golf cart, not a doorbell: match the pack voltage and capacity to the cart.
What the coin cell fits
The CR2032 coin cell is a small flat battery for small devices. The Duracell CR2032 lists 4 cells in a pack and fits Apple AirTag, car key fobs, fitness trackers, glucose monitors and tire pressure sensors. It lists a bitter taste coating on both sides to deter children from swallowing it, and child-safe packaging. It lists 10 years in storage. A coin cell suits a key fob or a tracker, not a flashlight: match the cell number on the old battery before you buy.
How light is a lithium AA?
A lithium AA battery weighs less than an alkaline AA battery. The Energizer listing says its lithium AA battery is 33% lighter than alkaline batteries, and the BEVIGOR AA battery lists 15g per cell against 26g for alkaline, at 42% lighter. A lighter battery suits a mounted camera or a doorbell, where weight pulls on the mount.
FAQ: power away from the grid
Are all lithium AA batteries rechargeable?
No. The RayHom AA lithium battery recharges up to 1600 times, but the Enegitech AA lithium battery is non-rechargeable and says do not charge it. Energizer and BEVIGOR AA lithium batteries are disposable cells. Check the listing before you charge a lithium battery.
What voltage is a lithium AA battery?
A lithium AA battery runs at 1.5V, and a lithium AAA battery runs at 1.5V too. The CR2032 coin cell runs at 3V, and a large LiFePO4 pack runs at 48V. Match the voltage on the old battery before you buy.
How long do lithium batteries last in storage?
The Energizer AA and AAA batteries list up to 25 years in storage, the BEVIGOR AA battery lists a 20-year shelf life, and the Enegitech AA battery lists a 10-year shelf life. The Duracell CR2032 lists 10 years in storage. Keep spares in the pack until you need them.
Can I use a lithium AA battery in a Blink camera?
Yes. The Energizer AA lithium battery is listed for the Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ and Blink Video Doorbell, and the BEVIGOR and Enegitech AA lithium batteries list Blink cameras too. The RayHom rechargeable AA lithium battery lists Blink cameras as well. Fit a 1.5V AA lithium battery of the same size.
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