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

Very well structured, comprehensive, and comparable to live training seminars I've participated in previously. I will recommend the online course to other colleagues with training requirement needs.

Neil Luciano

EHS Manager

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

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

I think LION does an excellent job of any training they do. Materials provided are very useful to my day-to-day work activities.

Pamela Embody

EHS Specialist

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

The definitive 10-step guide for new hazardous materials shipping managers. Quickly reference the major considerations and details that impact hazmat shipping compliance.

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.