How much does one lithium battery cost?

How Much Does a Lithium-Ion Battery Cost in ?

Recent data indicates that most lithium-ion batteries range from $10 to $20,000, depending on the type of device they power. For electric vehicles, the battery costs can typically vary between $4,760 to $19,200. Conversely, solar battery installations usually range from $6,800 to $10,700. Smaller devices like outdoor power tool batteries may only cost $85 to $330, and basic cell batteries can be as inexpensive as $10.

As public interest in battery technology surges due to heightened awareness of climate change, many consumers are eager to transition from gasoline-powered appliances to lithium-ion batteries. In this guide, we break down the different costs associated with lithium-ion batteries to help clarify your investment.

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 &#; $90

We gathered data on various batteries from popular online platforms like Home Depot, BestBuy, Amazon, and BatteriesPlus, alongside financial reports, to present you with an accurate perspective of lithium-ion battery pricing. If you're on a tight budget, consider looking for used or refurbished batteries.

Cost by device

Larger devices demand more power, which naturally leads to increased prices for their corresponding batteries. Below, we provide a breakdown of lithium-ion battery costs by device category:

Electric vehicle (EV) batteries

For EV battery packs, the costs typically range from $4,760 to $19,200. If you're seeking more affordable options, browsing used battery listings online could yield results as low as $750.

Pricing can vary by automaker, summarized in the table below:

AutomakerTypical battery costTesla$11,000 &#; $20,000Toyota (Hybrid)$2,000 &#; $8,000Hummer$10,000Volkswagen $12,000 &#; $15,000

*Prices listed are for the battery alone, excluding installation fees.

Solar panel batteries

Typically, solar panel batteries cost between $6,800 to $10,700 (installation not included). These batteries are crucial for solar energy systems, enabling the storage of surplus energy for use during nighttime or cloudy days. Higher power storage capabilities come at a higher price, leading to greater independence from the electrical grid.

Average costs for outdoor power tool batteries range from $85 to $330.

Average cost$205Typical price range$85 &#; $330Extreme low end cost$40Extreme high end cost$600

The cost of a power tool battery will depend on several factors, including voltage, amp hours, and brand. Common costs by brand include:

BrandTypical costDewalt$60 &#; $240Ego$180 &#; $600Greenworks$40 &#; $300Kobalt$100 &#; $360Milwaukee$65 &#; $300Ryobi$100 &#; $200

High-performance lithium-ion batteries, such as Ego’s ARC lithium batteries, generally cost more than standard models.

Personal electronics batteries

Most personal electronic batteries like those used in cell phones, tablets, or laptops have costs ranging from $10 to $90, demonstrated in the following table:

ElectronicTypical battery costCellphone$10 &#; $35Tablet$15 &#; $50Laptop$20 &#; $90

Devices requiring less power will typically utilize less expensive batteries, while state-of-the-art technology tends to utilize more costly options.

Cost by kilowatt-hours

According to BloombergNEF, the average cost of lithium-ion batteries stands at $151 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), with battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV) battery costs averaging $138 per kWh. In comparison, the kWh cost was recorded at $141 in . Over the past decade, there has been a remarkable decline in overall lithium-ion battery prices.

What is a kWh? Kilowatt-hours (kWh) measure a battery's energy storage capacity. A kilowatt (kW) represents a measurement of electric energy consumption, while a kilowatt-hour accounts for the energy consumed by a device over one hour. To calculate a battery's kWh, the formula is as follows:

kWh = Amp hours × Voltage ÷ 1,000

Using an example of a 12-Ah 100-volt battery, its kWh would calculate to 1.2 kWh.

Other factors that affect cost

Several elements also play a role in determining lithium-ion battery costs:

Battery type

The chemical composition of a battery influences its cost; for instance, those using semi-precious metals are typically more expensive than those composed of less costly raw materials.

Here are some common lithium-ion battery types and their price ranges:

• Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries are often used in RVs, boats, and electric scooters, typically costing between $120 to $1,950, and averaging around $560.

• Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO) batteries usually cost less than LFP batteries and find applications in power tools and electric bikes, as well as electric vehicles.

• Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) batteries are about 20% more expensive than LFP batteries, and used in power tools and electric powertrains.

• Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminium Oxide (NCA) batteries tend to range in cost similar to NMC batteries; they are common in various electric vehicles, including many Tesla models.

• Lithium Titanate (LTO) batteries are on the pricier side, often utilized in electric vehicles and military equipment.

• Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO) batteries generally cost between $10 &#; $90, used in consumer electronics such as smartphones, laptops, and cameras.

Voltage

Batteries with higher voltage usually incur higher costs, as more power translates to a steeper investment. Typically, electric vehicle and solar panel batteries are rated using kilowatt-hours, while most power tool batteries are under one kWh and are categorized by voltage and amp hours.

The average cost variations of a power tool battery based on voltage are shown in the table below:

VoltageAverage cost12 &#; 24 $ &#; 40$ &#; 60$+$335

Amp hours

Lastly, the longer a device can run per single charge is often determined by the amount of amp hours (Ah) in its battery. We summarize the costs of power tool batteries using amp hours:

Amp hoursAverage cost2 &#; 2.5$$ &#; 6$ &#; 9$ &#; 12$335

Related products and services

Check out these products powered by lithium-ion batteries:

Solar panel installation

The average cost of solar panel installations typically falls between $15,000 to $26,000, but factors such as panel type and house size can affect the ultimate price. Importantly, various federal, state, and local incentives exist to reduce this overall amount, with homeowners often recovering their costs within 6 to 10 years.

Average cost$20,000Typical price range$15,000 &#; $26,000Extreme low end cost$5,000Extreme high end cost$50,000

As more environmentally conscious consumers turn toward battery-powered outdoor tools, popularity for these devices is rising. According to Washington University in St. Louis, gas tools pollute more than cars, while battery-powered alternatives produce zero emissions. Despite typically being less expensive than gas models, recent developments in battery technology have made these outdoor tools highly competitive.

Lawn mowers

Battery-operated lawn mowers typically cost between $215 and $730, whereas riding mowers can reach as high as $4,000. As gas mowers are significant polluters, consider reviewing our roundup of the 8 best battery-powered lawn mower options.

Average cost$475Typical price range$215 &#; $730Extreme low end cost$150Extreme high end cost$4,000

Leaf blowers

Typical prices for battery-operated leaf blowers hover between $100 to $250, greatly undercutting their gas counterparts. Thanks to advancements, there are many powerful battery blowers available!

Average cost$150Typical price range$100 &#; $250Extreme low end cost$65Extreme high end cost$500

Snow blowers

Battery snow blowers usually range from $300 to $1,800, and our research highlights the 8 best battery snow blower models.

Typical price range$300 &#; $1,800Average 1-stage blower$550Average 2-stage blower$1,380

Chainsaws

Average prices for battery chainsaws are between $180 to $380, suitable for routine pruning of small to medium trees. Premium chainsaws can range from $270 to $480.

Average cost$280Typical price range$180 &#; $380Extreme low end cost$130Extreme high end cost$500

Hedge trimmers

Battery-powered hedge trimmers usually range from $60 to $200, and we compiled a list of high-quality options for you to check out.

Average cost$110Typical price range$60 &#; $200Extreme low end cost$35Extreme high end cost$1,135

Electric vehicles 

The introduction of lithium-ion battery technology has enabled a wide array of electric vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and trucks. Current pricing for these electric vehicles typically ranges from $33,627 to $80,824, with luxury models priced significantly higher.

Average cost$57,225Typical price range$33,625 &#; $80,825Extreme low end cost$27,400Extreme high end cost$2,400,000

Landscape lighting

For enhancing outdoor ambience, many battery-powered options exist for landscape lighting. Professional installations usually range from $2,100 to $4,900, while DIY battery-powered solutions can typically be found for between $100 to $1,500.

Average cost$3,500Typical price range$2,100 &#; $4,900Extreme low end cost$500Extreme high end cost$7,000

Cost of lithium-ion battery by location

Global pricing varies for lithium-ion batteries; China offers the lowest prices, while Europe boasts lower overall costs than the United States. Importantly, about 80% of the battery cells are produced in China.

FAQ about lithium-ion batteries

1. How many years will a lithium-ion battery last?

Lithium-ion batteries typically endure 2 to 5 years, but some may last as long as 15 to 20 years.

2. How damaging is lithium mining?

While lithium-ion batteries are an eco-friendlier option compared to gas-powered products, lithium mining can adversely affect the environment due to:

High water consumption, leading to insufficient resources for farmers and wildlife.
Soil degradation.
Air pollution—per MIT, extracting one metric ton of lithium releases about 15 metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere.

3. Should lithium batteries be charged to 100%?

It is advisable not to fully charge lithium batteries; many chargers suggest 100% completion before it truly reaches that mark. Similarly, avoid allowing the battery to discharge fully before recharging, as maintaining this balance can extend its lifespan.

Final thoughts

Lithium-ion batteries have transformed both the automotive and electronics sectors, providing a safe, lightweight source of consistent power. While recent price surges have surfaced, costs have generally trended downward over the years.

Although electric vehicle maintenance may pose financial challenges for many Americans, battery-powered outdoor tools tend to be more affordable than gasoline-driven counterparts. Still, premium equipment catering to professional use can incur higher expenses, prompting many homeowners to hire lawn service professionals for such tasks.

Feel free to reach out to discuss your Lithium Battery requirements. Our knowledgeable sales team is ready to help identify options that best meet your needs.