Both alkaline and lithium batteries are very popular for their different properties. Alkaline batteries are generally cheaper, but lithium batteries offer better performance. However, these lithium batteries are a bit expensive, and many may consider replacing lithium batteries with alkaline ones. There comes a question: What happens if you use alkaline batteries instead of lithium?
Technically, you can use an alkaline battery in place of a lithium one. However, I don’t recommend this replacement, as it would affect your device’s performance. Why? The reason is that lithium batteries are powerful, and alkaline ones are too weak to replace them. In this article, I will discuss everything you need to know about replacing lithium batteries with alkaline batteries. So, let’s begin!
Basics of Alkaline & Lithium Batteries
I would start from the very basics of these two batteries. Without understanding the basics, you won’t grasp why I don’t suggest replacing these batteries with each other.
Alkaline batteries are generally used in small devices, i.e., remote controls or toy cars. What makes them an inferior option is that they are non-rechargeable. Once their stored energy is drained, they are useless and generally thrown away. Additionally, lower prices make alkaline batteries stand out, despite their compromised performance.
They have electrodes just like any other battery. Their cathode is made of manganese dioxide, where the anode consists of zinc. These batteries contain potassium hydroxide, which acts as an electrolyte. The chemical reaction inside alkaline batteries powers them. Remember, these batteries are less powerful and cannot work if the temperature is too extreme.
Lithium batteries are trending and making everyone love them. That’s because of their advanced technology, greater energy storage, and excellent performance. They can last for several hours with consistent use and are rechargeable. However, the price of lithium batteries poses a drawback for budget-conscious individuals.
The chemistry and internal parts of lithium batteries differ from those of alkaline batteries. They use iron disulfide as the cathode material and lithium as the anode. What I like about lithium batteries is their longevity. These advanced batteries can last over 15 years if properly cared for.
Additionally, their higher charge-holding capacity makes them unique. Remember, the lithium and alkaline batteries differ from each other in almost every aspect. As a result, they should not be replaced with each other. If you do, your device’s performance will degrade, leaving you with nothing but long-lasting regrets.
What Happens if You Use Alkaline Batteries Instead of Lithium?
It is a very bad idea to use an alkaline battery in place of lithium ones. You’ll encounter several issues with the device you’re making this change on. Here is what happens when you do this:
If you use alkaline batteries instead of lithium ones, your device’s performance will be affected. It won’t run longer, and its battery will drain quickly. Why? The reason is that alkaline batteries have low energy density. They store less energy, so they get drained rapidly. Additionally, your device may not work in cold weather.
Remember, both alkaline and lithium batteries come in smaller sizes. So you can replace them, but it’s a bad idea. Alkaline batteries cannot maintain a steady voltage during use. At the start, they offer a higher voltage, which decreases as the device runs. As a result, your device will eventually slow down and may not run when the voltage drops too low.
Additionally, alkaline batteries are less durable and prone to leakage. Above all, alkaline batteries won’t power the device at low temperatures, but lithium ones do. Remember, both batteries have significant differences in performance. In the section below, I will explain the drawbacks you’ll face when replacing lithium batteries with alkaline ones.
1- Shorter Battery Life
As I said, the lithium batteries come with higher energy density. Right? So they can store more energy (charge) in less space. As a result, they keep running for longer and powering the devices. However, alkaline batteries have a low energy density. They can store minimal amounts of energy.
So, using them in place of lithium batteries will cause batteries to drain quickly. Suppose your device lasts for 2 hours with a lithium battery. However, the same device will last less than 40 minutes, and even less with alkaline batteries. This is the biggest drawback, as everyone wants their devices to offer longer running times.
2- Poor Performance in Cold or Hot Temperatures
Alkaline batteries perform poorly at extreme temperatures. Their performance is nowhere near that of lithium at lower temperatures. Remember, at low temperatures, the chemical reaction inside alkaline batteries slows down. As a result, the alkaline battery voltage reduces.
When the voltage is reduced, the device does not work, no matter whether the battery is fully or half-charged. Similarly, at higher temperatures, alkaline batteries can heat up, resulting in leakage and fires. However, lithium batteries perform well at both low and high temperatures. Their chemical reaction happens at a stable rate even at low temperatures. So, the lithium battery can power and run the devices efficiently.
3- Inconsistent Voltage Output (Causing Dimming or Flickering)
One significant drawback of alkaline batteries is their inconsistent voltage output. When fully charged, these batteries provide a stable voltage output. However, their charging decreases, and they start delivering inconsistent voltage. Inconsistent voltage affects device performance. Imagine you’ve a flashlight and use an alkaline battery in it.
Initially, the flashlight will run smoothly when the battery is fully charged. As the battery’s charge decreases, the voltage will start to drop. As a result, your flashlight will get dimmer as the voltage decreases. You’ll also face flickering of the light due to inconsistent voltage. You won’t face this issue with lithium batteries. Why? Because these batteries provide a stable voltage regardless of their charge level, 80% or 20%.
4- Device Shutting Down Prematurely
Have you ever noticed your electronic device shutting down even though it still had some charge? That generally happens when the device uses an alkaline battery. Why? The reason is that each modern device works at a specific voltage level. If the voltage drops below that level, the devices will shut down.
Interestingly, alkaline batteries reduce their voltage as they are discharged. So when you use them in place of a lithium battery, they won’t be able to maintain voltage. As a result, the voltage drops below the level required by your device. As a result, your device will shut down prematurely.
You’ll be left in shock that the device’s battery wasn’t drained, yet it switched off on its own. This issue can be very annoying when you have a camera to use. Suddenly, it shuts down because the alkaline battery isn’t providing enough voltage. Remember, lithium batteries never cause these issues. You’ll be able to use your device until the battery reaches 0%.
5- Risk of Battery Leakage & Safety Issues
The lithium batteries generally don’t overcharge due to their advanced technology. The charger reduces the current when the voltage per cell reaches a specific level. As a result, the lithium battery does not overcharge, causing heating issues. However, alkaline batteries can overcharge and get too hot when charged at high temperatures.
As a result, they can pose several issues, such as explosion or leakage. Remember, alkaline batteries use potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte. So, when they leak, this electrolyte comes on the surface of the battery. This electrolyte corrodes the battery terminal, causing a mess. The lithium battery does not show such issues. If you use alkaline instead of lithium, you’ll face such risks.
Low Price of Alkaline Batteries: Is it the Right Justification for Using Them Instead of Lithium Batteries?
Yes, the initial cost of alkaline batteries is much lower than that of lithium batteries. However, it is not justifiable to use it instead of lithium batteries.
As I said earlier, lithium batteries last for many years. On the other hand, the alkaline batteries can last a few months to one year. Right? If you use an alkaline battery instead of a lithium one, you’ll need to replace it every few months. In such a case, the cost of battery replacement would make alkaline batteries a more expensive option than lithium batteries.
Additionally, if you use the device aggressively, the alkaline battery may deteriorate quickly. In such a case, you’ll even need to replace the alkaline battery in 3 to 4 months. The frequent replacements and the need to buy new alkaline batteries are a headache. Isn’t it? That’s why I recommend using lithium batteries in the device and not replacing them with alkaline ones.
When Should You Use an Alkaline Battery Instead of a Lithium Battery?
There are a few cases where you can use alkaline batteries instead of lithium. Even in such cases, the lithium batteries are more preferable. However, suppose you really have a tight budget. In that case, it is okay to use an alkaline battery instead of a lithium one. Here are these cases:
- Use alkaline batteries in small toys for kids
- Use these batteries in devices that are not used regularly
- Use alkaline batteries in devices that remain and operate at room temperature
- Use them iin devices that consume very little energy for their operation, like TV remotes
Conclusion
So, can you use alkaline batteries instead of lithium batteries? The answer is YES! However, is it a good idea to make this replacement? NO! The lithium batteries are too good to be replaced by the alkalines. Remember, these batteries are very powerful and long-lasting. When you use alkaline instead of lithium, your device won’t run as long.
You will see the battery drain quickly. What I hate about alkaline batteries is that they cannot provide a steady, stable voltage. As a result, the devices cannot run reliably and exhibit malfunctions. Alkaline batteries are heavier, which can make your device feel heavier. In this article, I’ve explained all the reasons why you should not use alkaline batteries instead of lithium batteries.