Understanding Lead Acid vs. Lithium-Ion Batteries

While electric ground support equipment (GSE) isn't new to today's airport ramps, the technology is still evolving – especially in terms of its energy source. For years, the lead acid battery has been the standard solution to power electronics, electric aircraft tugs and other ground support equipment. Yet, despite their frequent use, lithium-ion battery technology is quickly being adopted in airports, ground handling companies and fixed-base operations around the globe.

Some things to consider when choosing batteries for ground support equipment are cost, performance capabilities and the life of the battery itself. These factors all play a critical role in the battery's overall efficiency – and the operation's bottom line. Keep reading to learn more about lead acid versus lithium-ion batteries so you can better understand the differences between the two.

What Is a Lithium-Ion Battery?

A lithium-ion battery is a relatively new, advanced battery technology that utilizes lithium ions as a critical component of power. During operation, lithium atoms in the anode are ionized and separated from their electrons. They then move from the anode and pass through an electrolyte until they reach the cathode, recombining with electrons and neutralizing. Lithium-ion batteries typically use ether as an electrolyte.

Because of lithium's small size, a lithium-ion battery has a very high voltage and charge storage capacity.

What Is a Lead Acid Battery?

While a sealed lead acid battery has a low energy density, additional maintenance requirements and moderate efficiency, it also offers low costs and a long lifespan compared to other battery types. Lead acid batteries are the most commonly used form of battery for rechargeable applications and have a well-established and mature technology base.

A lead acid battery stores chemical energy between two poles immersed in an electrolyte (water and sulfuric acid). Closing a circuit between these two poles causes an electric current to flow due to the chemical reaction. When a lead acid battery is used and charged, the water evaporates over time. To maintain the battery, users must manually add water to the cells.

Lead Acid Battery vs. Lithium-Ion: Charging Times

First, let's explore the charging times and how each battery type will play a role in an operation's workflow.

Lead Acid Battery Charge Times

Charging a lead-acid battery takes around eight hours to complete. However, the heat generated through charging also means a lead acid battery will require an additional eight hours to cool down before it can go back into service. With an organized operation and a network of lead acid batteries, this is often not an issue. Strongly monitored components such as battery charging stations ensure the operational reliability of a ground support equipment fleet and can optimize it for a smooth workflow throughout each shift.

Lithium-Ion Battery Charge Times

A lithium-ion battery, on the other hand, can take anywhere from one to three hours to charge completely, depending on its size. Lithium-ion chemistries can accept a faster rate of current, making them beneficial for short opportunity charging during breaks or in between shifts. This is often critical for time-sensitive applications where ground support equipment has high utilization and fewer break intervals. Additionally, a lithium-ion battery will not require a cool-down period after charging, which means it can immediately go back into service the second it's off the charger.

Lithium-Ion vs. Lead Acid: Cost

Cost is usually the subject at the forefront of everyone's minds. Next, let's explore how each battery type fits into an operation's budget.

The Cost of Lead Acid

There is a good reason for the popularity of the lead acid battery. They are highly dependable and inexpensive on a cost-per-watt basis, are available in large, secure quantities and come in a variety of shelf pack sizes. Few other batteries can deliver bulk power as cheaply as a lead acid battery, making them highly cost-effective for electric ground support equipment.

Lithium-Ion Cost

However, cost-effectiveness is not only about the up-front price. The lithium-ion battery is capable of helping companies save in terms of power, range and maintenance costs. Lithium batteries utilize sealed cells that don't require constant watering, equalizing or cleaning, reducing labor costs and downtime in the long term.

Keep in mind that cost-effectiveness is dependent on the needs of your unique applications. Depending on the operation, it may be more beneficial to pay a cheaper up-front cost or invest in the long term.

Lead Acid vs. Lithium-Ion: Energy & Lifespan

Finally, let's discuss how each battery type will work when on the flightline. When comparing lead-acid and lithium-ion battery chemistries side by side, the typical lithium-ion battery can achieve an energy density of 125-600+ watt-per-liter versus the 50-90 watt-per-liter found in a lead acid battery. In other words, a lead acid battery will often carry a lower energy density.

It's often recommended not to use more than 50 percent of the rated capacity for a lead acid battery, as going below this level can lead to a diminished life. In contrast, a lithium-ion battery can provide 100 percent of its rated capacity, affording ground support equipment a more extended range.

Lead acid and lithium-ion batteries generally have similar lifespans in terms of cycles. Many manufacturers approximate that each can last at least 1,000 chagrin cycles if they are used in the proper conditions. However, extreme heat and other environmental factors can significantly reduce lead acid battery life.

In the Debate of Lead Acid vs. Lithium-Ion, Tronair Customers Win Every Time

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to powering ground support equipment. When it comes to lead acid versus lithium-ion, the right electric solution is the one that meets the needs of your operation. At Tronair, we design our electric GSE to suit your specific needs. Browse our entire selection of industry-leading electric and non-electric aircraft tugs today. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us anytime. We'll ensure you find the best ground support equipment and power generation capabilities for your operation.

Shop All Aircraft Tugs