Table of Contents
Lithium batteries work better than most alkalines. They typically:
- Last much longer
- Have a longer shelf life
- Have a low rate of self-discharge
- Can function well at extreme temperatures
- Are much lighter
- Don’t leak
However, not all lithium batteries are the same. Today, we’ll take a look at the top picks for AA lithium batteries.
1 - Energizer Ultimate Lithium
The Energizer Ultimate Lithium battery is a long-lasting AA battery with the following specifications:
| Feature | Description |
| Appearance | Cylindrical |
| Type | Primary cell (non rechargeable) |
| Chemistry | Lithium/iron disulfide (LiFeS2) |
| Nominal Voltage | 1.5 V |
| Storage Temperature | Storage Temp: -40°C to 60°C |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to 60°C |
| Weight | 15 g |
| Volume | 8 cm3 |
| Maximum Discharge | 2.5 amps continuous (single battery only)
4.0 amps pulse (2 sec on / 8 sec off) |
| Shelf Life | 20 years |
The Battery Structure
Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries are cylindrical in shape and look similar to alkaline AAs. However, what sets them apart is the jelly roll construction of the electrodes. The inside of the battery is made of long thin sheets of electrodes rolled around several times, creating a multi-layered interior.
The jelly roll layers create a large surface area, which means that the electrochemical reactions occur much faster, increasing the batteries’ effectiveness.
In addition, the batteries are made with safety in mind. A microporous thin polymer membrane separates the electrode layers. This polymer layer allows the lithium ions to move across the electrodes during normal discharge.
However, in dangerous conditions such as excessive temperatures, the membrane’s pores will close and prevent the ions from moving, cutting off the battery and preventing a fire hazard.
The cells also come with a resettable safety device to prevent overcurrent. The device switches the battery off if too much current flows through.
Note: Safety precautions are essential because lithium batteries pose serious fire hazards with improper use. For example, they can explode or catch fire if overcharged or exposed to high temperatures (>54 °C).
Energizer Ultimate Lithium’s Performance
Energizer Ultimate Lithium cells have more power and run longer and more consistently.
The batteries have a specific energy density of about 297 Wh/kg; higher than the 143 Wh/kg energy density of alkaline batteries. This means they have more energy per unit mass.
Because of the jellyroll construction, they have many active material layers, making them more efficient with both low and high drain devices.
Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries also have a consistent discharge rate which means they provide steady power to your devices, only dropping voltage when they have reached the end of their useful life. Plus, they have significantly longer run times than other types of batteries.
Lithium batteries are also less sensitive to temperature changes than comparable NiMH and alkaline batteries because of their non-aqueous electrolyte. They have a wider operating temperature range of between -40°C and 60°C.
As with all other batteries, performance slows down at negative temperatures due to the slowing of chemical reactions. However, the Energizer Ultimate range performs much better than most, with a draining rate of 200 mA at -40°C.
The battery is made from materials with minimal impurities to ensure extremely low levels of self-discharge. It will retain close to 95% capacity after more than 20 years in storage.
Additionally, the combination of a non-aqueous electrolyte and effective seals prevent electrolyte spills helping the cells to last longer, with a Guinness World Record to show for it.
2 - Ansmann Extreme Lithium Batteries
Ansmann AA Extreme Lithium batteries are rated at 2700 mAh capacity, which is:
- Seven times higher than zinc-carbon batteries
- Three times more than alkaline batteries
Note: Their nominal rated capacity is 3000 mAh discharge at 75 ohms load.
They are well suited for high tech devices such as:
- Smoke detectors
- Digital cameras
- GPS systems
- High-speed toy cars
These batteries give a reliable and consistent power supply throughout their lifespan and can last for up to 10 years in storage.
In addition, they have a low internal resistance of 350 mΩ. This means they allow more voltage to drop across the device that the battery is powering rather than dropping more voltage across the cell itself, making them highly efficient.
Ansmann lithium batteries are also 35% lighter than standard AA alkaline batteries. The lighter weight is a great advantage when using your gadgets for outdoor activities and travelling.
They tolerate low temperatures and can function well at around -40°C. This means whether you’re at the top of a snowy mountain or diving underwater, you won’t have any problems with your devices.
The table below shows the technical specifications of the Ansmann Extreme Lithium batteries.
| Feature | Description |
| Chemistry | Lithium iron disulphide (LiFeS2) |
| Voltage | 1.5 V |
| Capacity | 2700 mAh |
| Weight | 15 g |
| Dimensions (Height and Weight) | 50.4 X 14.3 mm |
| Shelf Life | 10 years |
| Storage Temperature | -20 to 40°C |
| Operating Temperature | -40 to 60°C |
| Relative Humidity | 45 to 75% |
| Maximum Discharge Current | 2000 mA pulse; 3000 mA Continuous |
3 - Varta CR AA Lithium Batteries
Varta’s CRAA Lithium battery is a high voltage option suitable for the high drain demands of modern electronics such as:
- Alarm systems
- Smoke detectors
- Door lockers
- Asset tracking systems
- Electronic monitoring systems
- Memory back up and intelligent interfaces
- High voltage power line fault detectors
The battery’s main specifications include:
| Feature | Description |
| Chemistry | Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMn02) |
| Energy Density | 250–300 Wh/kg |
| Nominal Voltage | 3 V |
| Open Circuit Voltage | 3.2 V |
| Capacity | 2000 mAh |
| Storage Life Span | 10 years |
| Storage Temperature | -55°C to 75°C |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C to 75°C |
| Weight | 21.5 g |
| Volume | 8.5 cm3 |
Battery Structure
Varta CR AA cells are highly effective due to their layered structure, which increases the speed of electrochemical reactions. The cells have a bobbin construction where the electrodes are spirally wound to increase the surface area.
The electrolyte used is organic, non-corrosive, and is stored inside a corrosion-resistant steel casing. In addition, the precision laser sealing technology prevents electrolyte leaks ensuring that the cells function at their best for longer.
Note: The CR AA battery is heavier than other Lithium batteries because of its steel casing. As a result, it works best in devices you don’t have to carry around.
CR AA Battery Performance
The Varta CR AA battery gives 745 hours of performance when loaded at 1000 Ω if discharged continually for 24 hours, 7 days a week.
This means that under normal usage, the cells give long-lasting power output with an operating lifespan of 10 years. Plus they have twice the energy density of comparable alkaline batteries.
In addition, they last for about 10 years in storage with a low rate of self-discharge (approximately 1% per year). This means the cells will operate at 90% of their capacity even after 10 years on the shelf.
The cells also have a wide operating temperature range from as low as -20°C to as high as 60°C, making them suitable for a wider variety of applications.
“Battery excellence - Overall experience with purchase of the item and the product so far has been top-notch. Prompt, easy transaction and fast delivery.”
— Dieu L, Verified Buyer
Choose the Best Batteries
So, there you have it, the top picks for lithium batteries that are highly engineered to meet the requirements of modern gadgets. These high energy batteries support high drain applications giving long-lasting power. They also last so long in storage you can easily buy them in bulk.
Head on over to HBPlus Battery Specialists to order your lithium batteries today. You won’t have to worry about replacing your batteries for years to come.
“I was very pleased with the service and price of the batteries. Also, delivery was fast. I will be buying from HB+ again. I recommend this site.”
— Victoria S, Verified Buyer, Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t my flashlight work well in cold weather?
As the battery temperature lowers, reactions slow down because ions move slower, reducing the pace of the electrochemical reactions. This causes the battery’s overall performance to decline.
Does the capacity of a battery change with the drain rate?
A battery is more fuel-efficient when used in an appliance with lower current drains. Available capacity drops with increased drain rates, so opt for higher capacity batteries for high drain devices.
Can I carry loose batteries in my purse or pocket?
No. Metal objects such as coins can cause batteries to short-circuit, which can cause the battery to become too hot or leak causing personal injury.
