Disadvantages of the Lithium Ion Battery

• Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive than similar capacity NiMH or NiCd batteries.
• They are much more complex to manufacture.
• Subject to aging, even if not in use. Aging is a concern with most lithium-ion batteries.
• Lithium ion batteries are not available in standard cells sizes (AA, C and D).
• Lithium-ion batteries require sophisticated chargers that can carefully monitor the charge process.
• Lithium-ion batteries are designed for specific custom applications. There are no standard sizes.
• Each type of Li-ion battery requires a charger designed to accommodate its particular size. Just try to use your Canon charger on a Sony battery.
• Lithium ion battery chargers can be more than NiMH and NiCd battery chargers.
• Lithium-ion batteries are fragile.
• They require a protection circuit to maintain safe operation.
• Transportation restrictions - shipment of larger quantities may be subject to regulatory control. This restriction does not apply to personal carry-on batteries. (See last section)
• Expensive to manufacture - about 40 percent higher in cost than Ni-Cd batteries.
• Not fully mature - metals and chemicals are changing continuously