LiFePO4 Battery Chemistry

With proper care and maintenance, Celestron’s lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries boast an un-recharged shelf life of 10 years, providing years of additional service when compared to lithium-ion (3 years) and sealed lead-acid (1 year) battery technologies. An LiFePO4 battery can be charged and discharged more than 2,000 times during its lifespan, so the battery will last about as long as the telescope with which you are using it. On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries only last for about 500 charge cycles, while sealed lead acid last for about 300. LiFePO4 battery technology uses phosphates instead of environmentally hazardous elements like cobalt or lead commonly found in other rechargeable batteries. This allows the battery to withstand higher temperatures and offers superior thermal and chemical stability for added safety.