Lithium batteries outperform lead-acid with 2-3 times longer cycle life, 30-50% weight reduction, faster charging, and reduced maintenance requirements. Their higher energy density minimizes footprint in telecom racks and lowers cooling costs. For instance, lithium-ion batteries can achieve energy densities of up to 330 watt-hours per kilogram, while lead-acid batteries only reach about 75 watt-hours per. . While the initial investment is higher, the Total Cost of Ownership is significantly lower than lead-acid. However, with a cycle life of only 300-500 cycles, it may require replacement every 2-3 years in sites with frequent power. . Lithium-ion (LiFePO4) rack batteries outperform lead-acid counterparts in energy density (150-200 Wh/kg vs. 30-50 Wh/kg), cycle life (3,000-5,000 cycles vs. They handle temperature extremes better and reduce total ownership costs despite higher upfront prices. While Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) batteries such as AGM and Gel remain widely used, the telecom industry also relies on lithium-ion batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, and emerging lithium-titanate (LTO) or hybrid battery technologies.
