Lion.com will be offline for scheduled maintenance from 11 PM ET on Saturday, September 13, to 1 AM ET on Sunday, September 14.
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

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

I had a positive experience utilizing this educational program. It was very informative, convenient, and rewarding from a career perspective.

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

No comparison. Lion has the best RCRA training ever!!

Matt Sabine

Environmental Specialist

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

Lion Technology workshops are amazing!! You always learn so much, and the instructors are fantastic.

Dorothy Rurak

Environmental Specialist

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

Excellent. I learned more in two days with Lion than at a 5-day program I took with another provider.

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Some limited quantity reliefs are reserved for specific modes of transport. Use this guide to identify which reliefs you can capitalize on, and which do not apply to your operations.

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.