Search

Video: Lithium-Ion vs Lithium-Metal

Posted on 3/19/2024 by Lion Technology Inc.

There isn’t one set of rules that apply to every lithium battery shipment. That’s why lithium battery shipping is confusing. The first thing you need to ask yourself is, “What type of lithium battery am I shipping?”

In this video, Certified Dangerous Goods Professional Joel Gregier goes over the difference between lithium-metal and lithium-ion batteries and how they affect the shipping process.

Not feeling a video right now? No problem! The main points of this video are laid out below.


It’s not terribly difficult to figure out what you’re dealing with, but it is very important to do it right. Determining which type of lithium battery you are shipping is the jumping-off point for lithium battery shipping.

Lithium-Metal Batteries

These kinds of batteries typically power many small electronics like calculators, watches, and circuit boards.

You can tell if a lithium battery is lithium-metal because lithium-metal batteries are not rechargeable. Those of you who have x-ray vision can check if the battery's anode has some actual lithium metal or lithium metal alloys inside.

Sometimes, but not so much anymore, lithium-metal batteries are referred to as “primary cells”—that term has been phased out of the lithium battery rules.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in laptops, cell phones, power tools, and even electric vehicles.

A dead giveaway for lithium-ion batteries is—you guessed it—that they are rechargeable. There is no metal or metal alloy in the anode of a lithium-ion battery. Many of them also clearly state “lithium ion” on the battery itself.

Similar to lithium-metal batteries, these are sometimes referred to as “secondary cells,” but not as much anymore.

Lithium Battery Training

Find training to ship lithium batteries safely and in full compliance with current US DOT (49 CFR) and international regulations.

Learn online at your own pace or join an expert instructor for the next live Shipping Lithium Batteries Webinar, coming up soon. 

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

The instructor was very engaging and helped less experienced people understand the concepts.

Steve Gall

Safety Leader

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

Lion is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

Very witty instructor, made the long times sitting bearable. One of the few training courses I can say I actually enjoyed.

John Hutchinson

Senior EHS Engineer

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Hazardous materials shipment rejections bear a big cost. Use this guide to end operational and logistical disruptions that severely impact your bottom line.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.