Seeing someone drive an RV (Recreational Vehicle) or an electric car in Switzerland is common. The renewable energy drive is strong in the Alpine nation and this is reflected in every aspect of life. The demand for renewable energy solutions like the Lithium battery is picking up as a result.
These batteries, as the name suggests, are best powered by Lithium. In fact, Lithium batteries are used prominently no matter where you look. From RVs and electric cars to electric appliances in your home – these batteries are omnipresent.
A brief overview of the Importance of Lithium battery
Battery technology is at the heart of modern civilization. We are dependent on batteries for everything. From enjoying the creature comforts of life to driving our vehicles to travel – it isn’t possible without energy storage solutions like Lithium solar batteries.
However, no battery can be used to power our homes, appliances, and vehicles. There’s no point in using non-rechargeable batteries or inefficient rechargeable batteries in the garb of using solar power. They’ll just end up in a landfill and increase the burden of e-waste.
Let’s take a deeper look into the world of solar batteries and learn about the best Lithium battery providers in Switzerland.
Where are lithium batteries used?
A Lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery that has wide-ranging applications across several industries. It is most commonly used in the electronics industry and it’s a staple in the solar energy industry.
Here are the major uses of a Lithium battery:
- Solar energy storage – These batteries are used to power off-grid remote properties like homesteads, cabins, and lake houses. They are the most economical choice for powering such remote properties.
- UPS – Lithium batteries ensure uninterrupted power supply to computers and data servers to save online data. They ensure your important files are not lost into oblivion with a sudden power glitch.
- Electric vehicles – These batteries are what power electric bikes, cars, buses, and RVs. This is perhaps their biggest application. Lithium batteries are playing an important role in reducing oil and natural gas dependency.
- Mobile phones – The smartphones we are glued to all the time run on these rechargeable Li-ion batteries. These phones need to be charged multiple times during a day and Lithium batteries provide the most logical solution.
- Laptops and Tablets – Just like mobile phones, electronic gadgets like laptops and tablets also function on Li-ion batteries. The Lithium batteries allow us the comfort of using a diverse range of digital devices.
- Electric toys – These days, electrical toy manufacturers are moving away from Zinc-Manganese batteries and replacing them with Lithium batteries for their quick recharge abilities. They are especially being used to power electric toys.
- Watches – Digital watches and smartwatches also run on Lithium batteries. They allow you to see critical health metrics on your arm device. The display of your sleep score as well as blood pressure and sugar levels helps you monitor your health.
- Medical devices – Implant devices like pacemakers and cardiac defibrillators as well as MRI machines use Lithium batteries to operate. These devices are playing a significant role as cardiovascular diseases rise globally.
- Calculators – A Lithium battery also enables us to do large calculations quickly. These are part of both normal and advanced scientific calculators. They enable swift calculations at your fingertips and make your lives easier.
The comprehensive list of applications mentioned above makes it clear that a Lithium battery has diverse uses. This diversity across industries is what makes it such a crucial commodity. Its adaptability in challenging circumstances is the reason why it’s one of the most important technological innovations in the 21st century.
How do Li-ion batteries work?
It is important to understand the concepts of charging and discharging to fathom how Lithium batteries work. But before we explain these concepts it’s prudent to know the composition of a Lithium battery. It’ll help you understand the working principle of these batteries.
A Lithium battery is made of the following components:
- Anode
- Cathode
- Electrolyte
- Two electrodes or current collectors
The Lithium ions are stored in the charged terminals – i.e. anode and the cathode. The movement of the Li-ions is carried to the two terminals through the electrolyte. A device is connected to the battery to get an uninterrupted flow of electric current.
Here are the two main working principles of the Lithium battery:
i) Discharging
The positively charged Lithium ions move from the anode to the cathode through the electrolyte solution when the battery is discharging. The movement of Lithium ions leads to the development of free electrons in the anode.
This creates a charge at the positive current collector. The flow of electrons or electrical current happens from the positive electrode (anode terminal) to the negative electrode (cathode terminal).
The cathode terminal accepts the electrons and the circuit is complete. The chemical energy is converted into electrical energy and the device connected receives a regular electric supply.
The electricity is discharged from the battery to the device.
ii) Charging
If a battery is disposable then the flow of electricity happens only in one direction. Only the discharging activity is seen in this case. The scenario is different for a rechargeable battery. Electrical energy is converted into chemical energy to restore the chemical equilibrium inside the battery.
Lithium ions are released from the anode to the cathode when the battery is discharging. The case is the opposite when the battery is charging. The flow of Li-ions happens in the other direction. The ions move from the cathode to the anode and release energy during the process.
How do Lithium batteries compare to other batteries?
The closest competitors to Lithium batteries are Lead-acid batteries. The latter, though used extensively in the market, has little in common with the powerful Lithium battery other than the working principle.
1. Quality of material
The battery technology is the same in both these battery types but the difference lies in the material and its quality.
| Component | Lithium Battery | Lead-Acid Battery |
| Anode | Carbon | Lead |
| Cathode | Lithium oxide | Lead oxide |
| Electrolyte | Lithium salt | Sulphuric acid |
2. High energy density
Energy density is the amount of energy that can be stored by a battery. The measurement of this energy density is in watt-hours per kg (Wh/kg). Lithium batteries have up to 10 times higher energy density compared to Lead-acid batteries.
3. Better mineral composition
The mineral composition and quality of Lithium batteries are much better than Lead-acid batteries. They use graphite, Nickel, or Cobalt minerals rather than Lead. The latter has poor energy efficiency in comparison to others.
4. Low weight
A Lithium battery of the same capacity has a much lower weight than a Lead-acid battery. The lower weight of these batteries makes them portable and thus easy to transport. This feature also reduces the chances of breakage.
5. Greater discharge depth
Discharge depth means how long a battery can be used without charging. Lithium batteries have a discharge depth of 85-100% compared to just over 50% for Lead-acid batteries. This allows a full utilization of the battery.
6. Better cost output
Lithium batteries give a much better cost output than Lead-acid batteries. Their energy density and discharge depth give them the durability advantage that’s simply not available on lead-acid batteries. This gives them a competitive cost advantage in the long run.
7. Longer battery cycle
Battery cycle means the number of charging and discharging events before there’s a drop in battery performance. Lithium batteries have a life cycle of 5000 and it doesn’t really get affected by complete discharge. The battery cycle is about 10 times higher.
What are the new innovations in lithium battery technology?
Cost has been a major impediment in getting a lift-off for Lithium batteries. Scaling and mass acceptance are happening slowly as experts are still figuring out how to reduce cost bottlenecks. New innovations, particularly in mineral composition and battery chemistry, are being tried out.
One such innovation is the LiFePO4 batteries.
LiFePO4 batteries
The LiFePO4 or LFP batteries as they are often called are a much cheaper yet effective alternative for Nickel and Cobalt-based Lithium batteries. They use Lithium carbonate as an anode instead of Lithium hydroxide. This is in combination with the standard graphite anode.
LFP batteries are a significant improvement over traditional Li-ion batteries in more ways than one. They haven’t just addressed the cost issue plaguing the Lithium battery business but also the sustainability issue.
LFP has got a headstart in sustainable manufacturing by eliminating the need for using Nickel or Cobalt in the battery. Minerals like Nickel and Cobalt are rare and their exploitative mining has raised some concerns.
LFP uses Lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material instead. The lack of rare and expensive minerals in the battery composition makes them more affordable.
Another area in which these batteries are an improvement over Li-ion batteries is the thermal runway. Li-ion batteries were notorious for catching fire but LFP batteries are salvaging the reputation. The covalent bonds (between Lithium, iron, and phosphate) are stronger which makes the battery stable and less prone to overheating.
How has Switzerland emerged as the hub of battery technology?
Switzerland has taken active steps to make alternative fuel the norm. There’s been a great interest shown by all stakeholders to adopt clean and renewable energy solutions as a part of national life. Lithium-powered solar batteries are playing a huge role in this process.
Here’s how Switzerland has become the hub of battery technology in Europe:
i) Investment in alternative energy solutions
Switzerland has high stakes in alternative energy solutions like solar batteries, solar modules, and solar inverters. The country is pioneering the development of viable renewable energy solutions, much needed for a sustainable future.
ii) Renewable energy research
Several renewable energy research centers have opened in the country to find scalable energy solutions. The Swiss Battery Technology Centre, for example, is doing amazing work in improving the battery life cycle.
iii) Collaboration between industry and academia
There’s a good integration between business and research centers in the country. This has allowed the testing of new battery products in real-life scenarios which in turn has sped up the market launch.
iv) Enlightened leadership
The government of Switzerland is also doing its part in facilitating the infrastructural setup required for an alternative energy hub. The leadership and guidance provided by the government have been instrumental in this case.
v) Environmental awareness
Switzerland is blessed with an environmentally conscious population committed to reducing its carbon footprint.This gives them a leg up in a competitive renewable energy market and enhancing demand for environmentally clean products.
Who are the top lithium battery providers in Switzerland?
The reasons listed above account for much of Switzerland’s manufacturing edge in rechargeable battery solutions. Now, we will take a look at the best Lithium battery providers in the country:
1. Solar Life
(Image Source: solarlife.ch)
Solar Life is a leading battery solutions provider in the country. The company is making a name for itself in the market with its high-quality innovative products. The company provides renewable power solutions for standalone systems, such as:
- Allotment gardens
- Camping
- Boats
- Holiday homes
Solar Life is unique in its comprehensive solutions – from solar power generation systems to electrical power storage in Lithium batteries.
- PV solar systems for electrical power generation (solar modules, solar inverters)
- Lithium battery for storage like the LiFePO4 batteries. These have higher discharge rates and longer lifespans
- Solar charge controllers to control the flow of electric charge
Additional details
Address: Wegenstrasse 6, 9436 Balgach, Switzerland
- Phone: 0793338568
- Website: https://solarlife.ch/
Very competent, great service/quality, thank you for the custom-made item. gladly again…..
5.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Marco Tino
2. Lion E-Mobility Ag
(Image Source: lionemobility.com)
Lion E-Mobility is a respected name in the production of cutting-edge battery solutions. The company aims to be a major player in the EV and stationary battery storage segment.
Lion E-Mobility Ag is diversifying its product portfolio in the leisure and commercial EV fields. The goal is to provide a stable supply of top-class battery cells with a highly automation-oriented and OEM-tested manufacturing setup. The company has a current annual production capacity of 45,000 battery packs and plans to scale higher.
The company provides –
- Engineering as well as Research and Development services for OEMs and suppliers
- Design and integration of battery packs for
- Battery management systems
Additional details
- Company address: Chamerstrasse 172, CH-6300 Zug, Switzerland
- Email: ir@lionemobility.com
- Phone: +41 (0) 41 749 40 75
- Website: https://lionemobility.com/
3. Statron
(Image Source: statron.com)
Statron is a well-known supplier of industrial UPS systems and battery solutions. It serves various industries and has operations spread across the globe.
Statron has successfully supplied more than 30,000 UPS and battery systems to more than 3000 clients in over 100 countries. The company is bringing Swiss technical excellence in battery systems and making it the industry norm.
The market segments covered by Statron include –
- Transmission and distribution companies
- Oil and gas industries
- Infrastructure companies
- Railway
- Aviation
- Telecom
The company provides –
- Airport ground power supply systems
- Battery charging systems
- Industrial batteries and battery systems
- Industrial UPS systems
- Power inverter
- Voltage stabilizers
Additional details
Company address: Statron AG, Almuesenacherstrasse 1, 5506 Mägenwil, Schweiz
- Email: statron@statron.ch
- Phone: 0628874887
- Website: https://www.statron.com/en/
A very good company!! We really enjoy working with them because it’s always uncomplicated and they solve any problems very quickly…..
4.8⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
neff pascal
4. Wyon Swiss Batteries
(Image Source: wyon.ch)
Wyon Swiss Batteries is known for developing lightweight, custom batteries to suit their consumers’ needs. The company’s attractive miniature and micro batteries are making a great impact on people’s lives.
The company has decades of experience in battery miniaturization. It strives to produce the highest energy capacity in the smallest possible size. Wyon’s batteries have a minimum charging cycle of 2000 at a charge rate of 0.5C.
Wyon also offers the choicest section of housing materials – plastic, aluminum, or titanium – to optimize the battery’s functionality. This gives more durable options to consumers.
Wyon has several innovative battery storage systems to its credit. These are:
- Plastic housing cells
- Custom-made batteries
- Implantable batteries
Additional details
Company address: Wyon AG, Sägehüslistrasse 15, CH-9050 Appenzell Steinegg
- Email: info@wyon.ch
- Phone: +41 71 787 56 25
- Website: https://www.wyon.ch/
- Rating: 5.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. Zehnder Batterien Ag
(Image Source: zehnder-batterien.ch)
Zehnder Batterien is a mobile energy solutions provider based out of Switzerland. The company provides cost-effective clean energy solutions for individual and industrial needs. Zehnder’s battery solutions are meant for powering EVs, appliances, and industrial machines.
Zender’s battery solutions find application in several areas including the transport and shipping sector. Zehnder’s batteries power ships like tug and pusher boats as well as shipping vessels. The company also provides assembly services to install the battery directly to the vehicle.
Along with the battery products and assembly services, Zehnder also provides maintenance, repair, and disposal services.
Here’s the product range offered by Zehnder:
- Traction batteries
- Block batteries
- Starter batteries
- High-frequency chargers
- Battery and charger accessories
Additional details
Company address: Zehnder Batteries AG, Gewerbestrasse 3, CH-Muhen 5037
- Email: tenth@zehnder-batterien.ch
- Phone: +41 62 737 66 10
- Website: https://www.zehnder-batterien.ch/
Top service and very competent. Would come back at any time…..
4.4⭐⭐⭐⭐
Marietta Gerber
Conclusion
People need a reliable Lithium battery to keep their household appliances running. They also need powerful energy storage solutions to power their boathouses and cabins off-grid. Choose an energy solution provider that supplies clean and innovative battery solutions to power all kinds of appliances, electric vehicles, and off-grid properties.
