Most lithium-ion batteries cost $10 to $20,000, depending on the device it powers. An electric vehicle battery is the most expensive, typically costing $4,760 to $19,200. Next is solar batteries, which usually cost $6,800 to $10,700. However, most outdoor power tool batteries only cost $85 to $330, and cell batteries can run as little as $10.
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Due to an increasing concern about climate change, there is a high public interest in battery technology. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are a source of clean, renewable energy. However, many consumers looking to switch from gas-guzzling power tools and automobiles are left wondering how much Li-ion batteries cost, so we broke it down for you.
In this cost guide:
Average costs of a lithium-ion battery in
Average lithium-ion battery cost$10 &#; $20,000Average electric vehicle battery cost$4,760 &#; $19,200Average solar battery cost$6,800 &#; $10,700Average outdoor tool battery cost$85 &#; $330Average personal electronic battery cost$10 &#; $90We searched for batteries on various online platforms (i.e., Home Depot, BestBuy, Amazon, BatteriesPlus) and researched financial data from news and government reports to bring you the full scope of lithium-ion battery prices. If you are looking for a low-cost battery, consider buying one that is used or refurbished.
Cost by device
Larger devices need more power leading to higher battery prices. So we broke down Li-ion battery costs by the type of device it powers:
Electric vehicle (EV) batteries
Most EV battery packs cost $4,760 to $19,200. However, if you want to save money, consider a used battery. We searched online for used and refurbished EV batteries and found them for as low as $750.
EV battery pack costs differ by auto manufacturer, as shown in the table below.
AutomakerTypical battery costTesla$11,000 &#; $20,000Toyota (Hybrid)$2,000 &#; $8,000Hummer$10,000Volkswagen $12,000 &#; $15,000*The prices in the table above are for the battery only, and do not include installation costs.
Solar panel batteries
Solar panel batteries typically cost $6,800 to $10,700 (not including installation). Solar batteries are essential to a solar energy system because they store excess energy that you can use when the sun isn&#;t shining. The more power your solar batteries store, the higher their price and the less dependent you are on the grid.
Most outdoor power tool batteries cost between $85 and $330.
Average cost$205Typical price range$85 &#; $330Extreme low end cost$40Extreme high end cost$600The cost of a power tool&#;s battery depends on its voltage, amp hours, and the brand. The table below shows typical battery cost by brand.
BrandTypical costDewalt$60 &#; $240Ego$180 &#; $600Greenworks$40 &#; $300Kobalt$100 &#; $360Milwaukee$65 &#; $300Ryobi$100 &#; $200High-efficiency Li-ion batteries, such as Ego&#;s ARC lithium batteries, cost more than a standard Li-ion battery.
Personal electronics batteries
Most personal electronic batteries cost $9 to $90, as shown in the table below.
ElectronicTypical battery costCellphone$10 &#; $35Tablet$15 &#; $50Laptop$20 &#; $90Less powerful electronics require a less powerful battery, so expect cutting-edge technology to run on an expensive battery.
Cost by kilowatt-hours
According to BloombergNEF, the average lithium-ion battery costs $151 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), and the average battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV) battery costs $138 per kWh. In the average per kWh cost was $141. However, overall Li-ion costs have dramatically decreased over the last ten years.
What is a kWh? Kilowatt-hours (kWh) measure a battery&#;s energy storage capacity. A kilowatt (kW) is a unit that measures electric energy consumption, and a kilowatt-hour is the energy a 1-kW device consumes in an hour. To calculate a battery&#;s kWh, use the following formula:
kWh = Amp hours × Voltage ÷ 1,000So, if you have a 12-Ah 100-volt battery, its kWh would equal 12 x 100 ÷ 1,000. Thus, it is a 1.2 kWh battery.
Other factors that affect cost
The cost of a lithium-ion battery is also impacted by the following:
Battery type
The cost of a Li-ion battery depends on its chemistry. For example, batteries containing semi-precious metals cost more than batteries made from inexpensive raw materials.
Here are the most popular types of Li-ion batteries:
Voltage
The more power a battery contains, the more it will cost. Therefore, batteries with a higher voltage (volt) are more expensive. Electric vehicle and solar panel batteries are often described with kilowatt-hours, but most power tool batteries are less than one kWh and described using voltage and amp hours.
The table below shows the average cost of a power tool battery based on its voltage.
VoltageAverage cost12 &#; 24 $ &#; 40$ &#; 60$+$335Amp hours
The more amp hours (Ah) a battery has, the longer a device can run on a single battery charge. So next, we&#;ll break down the cost of a power tool battery by Ah. Please see the results in the table below.
Amp hoursAverage cost2 &#; 2.5$$ &#; 6$ &#; 9$ &#; 12$335You may be interested in products that run on lithium-ion batteries, including:
Solar panel installation
Most homeowners pay $15,000 to $26,000 for solar panel installation, but the cost of solar panels depends on the type of panels, the size of the home, and labor costs. However, federal, state, and local incentives significantly reduce that price. Additionally, most homeowners enjoy an energy cost reduction that allows them to recoup their costs in 6 to 10 years.
Average cost$20,000Typical price range$15,000 &#; $26,000Extreme low end cost$5,000Extreme high end cost$50,000Battery-powered outdoor tools are soaring in popularity due to environmentally conscious consumers and lawmakers. In fact, Washington University in St. Louis reports that gas tools (such as leaf blowers and lawn mowers) pollute the air more than cars. In contrast, most battery tools release zero emissions.
However, gas-powered tools aren&#;t just bad for the air; they are also noisy, painful to maintain, and expensive. Furthermore, recent technological advances have paved the way for a new generation of beastly battery tools that can compete with gas-powered models. So, consider investing in battery-powered tools. They are easier to use and typically cost less than the gas alternative.
Lawn mowers
Most battery-powered lawn mowers cost $215 to $730, but riding mowers can cost as much as $4,000. Since gas lawn mowers are one of the largest contributors to air pollution, you should check out our list of the 8 best battery-powered lawn mowers.
Average cost$475Typical price range$215 &#; $730Extreme low end cost$150Extreme high end cost$4,000Leaf blowers
Most battery-powered leaf blowers cost $100 to $250, which is significantly less than gas-powered models. And there is no need to worry about their strength because the best battery leaf blowers will blow you away!
Average cost$150Typical price range$100 &#; $250Extreme low end cost$65Extreme high end cost$500Snow blowers
Battery-powered snow blowers typically cost $300 to $1,800, so we researched and uncovered the 8 best battery snow blowers.
Typical price range$300 &#; $1,800Average 1-stage blower$550Average 2-stage blower$1,380Chainsaws
A typical battery-powered chainsaw costs $180 to $380 and is great for pruning small to medium trees. However, the best battery chainsaws cost $270 to $480.
Average cost$280Typical price range$180 &#; $380Extreme low end cost$130Extreme high end cost$500Hedge trimmers
Most battery-powered hedge trimmers cost $60 to $200, and we compiled a list of the best battery-powered hedge trimmers.
Average cost$110Typical price range$60 &#; $200Extreme low end cost$35Extreme high end cost$1,135Electric vehicles
Lithium-ion automotive technology has given birth to various electric cars, SUVs, and pick-up trucks. Most electric vehicles cost $33,627 to $80,824, with luxury models costing significantly more than standard sedans.
Average cost$57,225Typical price range$33,625 &#; $80,825Extreme low end cost$27,400Extreme high end cost$2,400,000Landscape lighting
The right landscape lighting can add to your outdoor ambiance and increase your property&#;s curb appeal. Thankfully, there are many lithium-ion and solar-powered options to illuminate your landscape. Professionally installed landscape lighting typically costs between $2,100 and $4,900, but do-it-yourself battery-powered lighting is usually just $100 to $1,500.
Average cost$3,500Typical price range$2,100 &#; $4,900Extreme low end cost$500Extreme high end cost$7,000Cost of lithium-ion battery by location
Lithium-ion battery prices differ between countries. Li-ion batteries are the cheapest in China, but they have a lower cost in Europe than in the United States. About 80% of Li-ion battery cells are made in China.
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FAQ about lithium-ion batteries
1. How many years will a lithium-ion battery last?Lithium-ion batteries usually last at least 2 to 5 years, but some can last as long as 15 to 20 years.
2. How damaging is lithium mining?Lithium-ion batteries are more eco-friendly than gas-powered products, but lithium mining negatively affects the environment in the following ways:
It requires a lot of water, and there often isn&#;t enough water left for local farmers and wildlife.
It deteriorates the soil structure.
It pollutes the air. According to MIT, most lithium is extracted from hard rock mines using equipment that runs on fossil fuels. As a result, 15 metric tons of CO2 are released into the air to get one metric ton of lithium.
It is better not to charge the battery fully; many Li-ion battery chargers say it is at 100% before it actually gets there. It is also better not to fully drain the battery before placing it on a charger. Not allowing the battery to charge or discharge fully will increase its lifespan.
Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized the automobile and electronics market. They are safe, lightweight, and provide constant power. Although their cost has recently increased, the price has steadily decreased over the years.
Although EV maintenance is still expensive for many Americans, battery-powered outdoor tools are often less costly than their gas-guzzling counterparts. However, high-end equipment used by pros is costly. As a result, most homeowners prefer to let a lawn care pro handle the hard work.
Note: LawnLove may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Image Credit: Juan Ramon Roballo&#;s Images | Canva Pro | License
Michelle Selzer is a witty writer with a passion for plants and outdoor power tools. When she's not out in the yard, Michelle enjoys fishing, hunting, and chasing waterfalls.
Lianhe Zaobao journalist Liu Sha notes that while China currently seems to be ahead of the competition in terms of electric vehicles and batteries, questions of cost, quality and sustainability have to be taken into account in considering how China can maintain its lead in the battery industry.
A motorcyclist passes an advertisement for electric vehicle at the Car Valley area in Wuhan, China, on 24 October . (Bloomberg)
At the start of , German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen sent nearly 300 employees to Chinese battery manufacturer Gotion to learn about battery manufacturing, from the basics of battery chemical formulation to the assembly of a battery pack. Volkswagen employees have been going on such learning trips since when the company started investing in Gotion and later became its largest investor.
According to a senior Gotion engineer who spoke to Lianhe Zaobao, the fact that Volkswagen, a car manufacturer with a century of experience, needs to learn from a Chinese battery manufacturer indicates that China is at the forefront of the new energy sector worldwide.
Chinese dominating market
According to statistics released by market research firm SNE Research, in the first three quarters of , the top ten firms in terms of global battery usage were as follows: CATL, BYD, LG Energy Solution, Panasonic, SK On, CALB, Samsung SDI, Gotion, EVE, Sunwoda.
Save for LG Energy Solution, Panasonic, SK On and Samsung SDI, the other six are all Chinese companies and they account for 62.9% of the global lithium battery market. The first two leading firms, CATL and BYD, alone account for 52.6% of the market.
People visit the booth of Chinese battery maker CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd.) during the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing on 1 December . (Jade Gao/AFP)
In an interview with Lianhe Zaobao, Yu Hong, a senior research fellow of the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore, said Chinese batteries have the cumulative advantage of technology, market size and industrial chain that other countries would find hard to overcome in the short-term.
Policy spurring rapid growth
The battery accounts for 40% of the cost of an electric vehicle, and the advantage that China has built as a leader in the battery sector is directly linked to the promotion of new energy vehicles by the government.
Since , the Chinese government has been strongly promoting new energy vehicles; not only are there direct subsidies for manufacturers of such vehicles and reduced purchase tax, but there are also no restrictions on the purchase or usage of new energy vehicles in first-tier cities and provincial capitals.
... the battery industry is relatively pollutive, and can only develop in a place like China with government tolerance and support; in places like Europe, it would be impeded by environmental groups and strict environmental review processes. - Yu Hong, Senior Research Fellow, East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore
The growth of China's new energy vehicles has been rapid, with 330,000 vehicles sold in , ranking first in the global new energy vehicles market for the first time, directly spurring demand for batteries as well.
The Chinese government once again leveraged their policy advantage, placing batteries on a "whitelist" - only new energy vehicles using batteries on the whitelist could qualify for government subsidies. This policy, which was implemented for four years, effectively helped China's battery firms avoid direct competition with industry giants in Japan and Korea, allowing China's new energy vehicles and batteries to fast-track their growth.
Yu pointed out that the Chinese government's support went beyond policy and subsidies.
Visitors film around Xiaomi's first electric vehicle, the SU7, displayed at an event in Beijing, China, on 28 December . (Florence Lo/Reuters)
He said the battery industry is relatively pollutive, and can only develop in a place like China with government tolerance and support; in places like Europe, it would be impeded by environmental groups and strict environmental review processes.
Supply chain and cost advantages
Yu also stressed that China's market scale and mature supply chain were key factors supporting the development of the new energy industry once the subsidies were no longer available. "Large scale production and application helped new energy products upgrade their technology while also reducing cost."
Xu Guohong, head of Gotion's investor relations department, said when interviewed: "In the Yangtze River Delta region, within a half hour drive, there will be a supply store with all sorts of provisions, such as the positive and negative electrode materials needed for batteries, insulating film, packaging and so forth. And it's not just one or two stores for each component; there are many stores."
The concentration in the supply chain has brought about cost advantage. According to a report by Bloomberg, China's battery packs come in at US$127 per kilowatt hour on a volume-weighted average basis, while prices in North America and Europe are 24% and 33% higher. This means that utilising Chinese-made batteries could greatly reduce the total cost of a new energy vehicle.
Statistics from market research firm JATO Dynamics showed that the average EV in China costs around &#;32,000 (US$35,039), compared with an average of &#;56,000 in Europe.
In this picture taken on 18 October , drivers wait for their electric vehicles to charge at Antuoshan charging station in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China. (Hector Retamal/AFP)
Bill Russo, former head of Chrysler in China, told Financial Times that the rest of the world's "miss" on batteries is that they prioritised battery chemistry tied to performance, not affordability, which China prioritises. He explained, "By making it cheaper, China wins."
Has China won?
However, in the face of China's EV battery dominance, overseas manufacturers have not given up trying to catch up.
Yu said that while it is difficult for other countries to catch up with and surpass China in terms of supply chain, cost and market size, they can overtake China by developing different technological routes.
At present, EV batteries can be divided into two technological routes: high energy or cost-effective. The mainstream in China is the more cost-effective lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which only has a range of up to 500 kilometres. The European EV sector prefers the more expensive lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) battery, which has a range of up to 700 kilometres. However, such batteries require both nickel and cobalt, and China is over 80% dependent on the import of both metals from foreign sources.
... high-end solid-state batteries and hydrogen fuel cells that Japanese and Korean manufacturers are developing could become the next generation of batteries.
The research and development (R&D) director of an EV battery startup company told Lianhe Zaobao that apart from the lack of materials, Chinese battery manufacturers' passivity towards developing high-end batteries; the highly competitive Chinese market; auto manufacturers' reluctance to give up their price advantage; and the abundance of EV charging stations across the country, has allowed Chinese consumers to lower their requirements on range.
People walk past electric vehicles at a shopping mall in Beijing, China, on 3 November . (Tingshu Wang/Reuters)
He pointed out that in Europe and the US where the charging infrastructure is still immature, consumers prefer long-range EV batteries. On the other hand, high-end solid-state batteries and hydrogen fuel cells that Japanese and Korean manufacturers are developing could become the next generation of batteries. "By the time their technology matures and costs are lowered, Chinese products will easily lose their edge," he noted.
The R&D director thinks that with intense market competition and the price war draining the energy of Chinese enterprises, these businesses risk losing out when the technological landscape shifts because they are unable to concentrate on technical research and development. He also said that in terms of cost-effectiveness, China currently does not have any high-tech barriers that foreign enterprises cannot overcome.
Curbing China's expansion
Academics think that China's batteries and EVs will be in greater need of international markets due to the country's economic slowdown, overcapacity in the new energy sector, and the fact that car replacement cycles will not be due for some time.
But amid intense geopolitical competition, China's battery exports will come under increasing pressure. In the long term, it would be difficult for China's EV batteries to gain the strategic advantage of being irreplaceable.
An electric vehicle moves on a street in Beijing, China, on 20 October . (Tingshu Wang/Reuters)
Professor Subodh Mhaisalkar, executive director of the Energy Research Initiative @ Nanyang Technological University, told Lianhe Zaobao that various countries are curbing the momentum of China's EV battery expansion. He said that the rest of the world is using trade policy, related barriers, and product localisation requirements to support local enterprises to take the price advantage away from Chinese battery manufacturers.
He added that although the Chinese battery sector has a five to ten year lead, the rich experience of international manufacturers and various governments' efforts in buying local firms more time make it easy for them to get rid of Chinese suppliers, at least in their domestic markets.
This article was first published in Lianhe Zaobao as "&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;".
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