FAQ: Lithium Battery Basics

Is There A Difference Between A Lithium Battery And a Lithium-ion Battery?

Yes—technically. The phrase “lithium battery” often refers to a primary (non-rechargeable) battery that uses lithium metal (for example, coin cells like CR2032). In contrast, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are secondary (rechargeable) cells that store lithium in compounds while lithium ions shuttle between electrodes during charge/discharge.

Note: In everyday speech, many people say “lithium battery” when they actually mean Li-ion. If it matters for charging or safety, verify the chemistry via the label or datasheet.

At-a-glance comparison

Term people use | Typical meaning | Rechargeable | Common examples
Lithium battery | Lithium-metal (primary) chemistry | No | CR2032, CR123A (many are primary)
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) | Rechargeable lithium-ion chemistry family | Yes | Phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes
Lithium polymer (LiPo) | Usually a form of Li-ion in pouch packaging | Yes | Drones, RC packs, slim devices
LiFePO4 (LFP) | A Li-ion chemistry with different voltages and behavior | Yes | Solar storage, RV/marine, some EVs

What type of battery is a lithium-ion battery?

A lithium-ion battery is a secondary (rechargeable) electrochemical battery. It stores and releases energy by moving lithium ions between the anode and cathode during charge and discharge.

“Li-ion” is a broad family: different chemistries (like NMC, NCA, LCO, LFP) and different form factors (cylindrical, prismatic, pouch) can all be “lithium-ion.”

Is A Lithium Battery An AGM Battery?

No. AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) is a sealed lead-acid battery type. Lithium batteries (Li-ion, LiPo, LFP, etc.) are different chemistries with different charging voltages and behavior.

This matters most when charging: chargers designed for lead-acid/AGM may not match lithium charge profiles.

Which battery is better: LiPo or “Li-ion”?

Neither is universally better. Most “LiPo” batteries are essentially a type of lithium-ion battery that uses a polymer pouch construction. Meanwhile, “Li-ion” is often used to mean cylindrical or prismatic hard-cased cells.

Typical tradeoffs

• LiPo pouches: high current capability and flexible shapes; more vulnerable to puncture and swelling; require careful handling.
• Hard-cased Li-ion: mechanically tougher and often more cost-effective; widely standardized; good general durability.

Choose based on your needs: high discharge, mechanical robustness, energy density, cost, and form factor.

How To Tell If A Battery Is Lithium

The best method is to read the label/part number and confirm via the manufacturer datasheet. Look for terms like Li-ion, Li-poly, LiPo, LiFePO4, or LFP.

Voltage clues (helpful, but not perfect)

If labeling is missing, voltage can provide hints—especially for individual cells:

Chemistry (common) | Nominal per cell | Typical full-charge max | Notes
Li-ion (many types) | ~3.6–3.7 V | ~4.2 V | Very common in consumer electronics
LFP (LiFePO4) | ~3.2–3.3 V | ~3.65 V | Often marketed for longevity and stability

Pack voltage patterns you’ll often see

• Li-ion packs: 7.4 V (2S), 11.1 V (3S), 14.8 V (4S) nominal
• LFP packs: 6.4 V (2S), 12.8 V (4S) nominal

Don’t rely on shape/weight alone. When unsure, identify via model number or manufacturer documentation.

Is an AAA battery a lithium battery?

Sometimes, but not usually. Most AAA batteries are alkaline (non-rechargeable) or NiMH (rechargeable). There are also AAA lithium primary products and “1.5 V rechargeable lithium” AAA-format batteries that often contain a Li-ion cell plus internal electronics to regulate output voltage.

The only reliable method is to check the label for chemistry markings and follow the manufacturer’s charging guidance.