Basic Lithium Battery Chemistry, Power, and Replacement considerations:

When buying an electric bike or conversion kit you don't need to be a lithium battery expert, but it does help to know some basic information just as understanding the basics of gas milage or air bags is important when buying a car. Some important things to consider regarding your lithium battery include it's specific chemistry type, how much energy it can hold, and how long it may be before you'll want to replace it.

There are many different sub-types of lithium battery. Just as different applications are a better match for a lead acid, nickel metal hydride, or lithium battery, there are different sub types inside the lithium battery family itself. A very common type of lithium battery is the lithium iron phosphate, or "LiFePo" battery. This type of lithium battery chemistry has characteristics that make a good compromise between price, size, weight, and overall chemical stability, so they are often included in the designs of systems like electric cars and electric bikes that need big, high-performance batteries. Another lithium battery is the lithium cobalt oxide type. This chemistry has one of the highest energy densities of all, meaning it can pack the most electricity into the smallest, lightest unit. This characteristic makes it ideal for small electronic devices like phones and laptops. Lithium cobalt oxide, or LiCoO2 battery cells are slightly more unstable than other types and require very strict quality control and electronic monitoring parameters at all times, so they are difficult to build and use safely in larger sizes that would be needed to drive an electric car or big machine.

Chapter 2 Lithium chemistry, power, and replacement