Between lithium AA cells (Li-FeS₂) and alkaline cells, 10 of the 16 characteristics in the full table below differ; 5 are the same and one can’t be compared because our sources give no figure or rating for one or both.
1.5 V · ≈ 310 Wh/kg · Single use
A 1.5 V AA that weighs 15 g, works from −40 to 60 °C and has a 25-year shelf life.
Watch out: Single use, and lithium-metal shipping rules apply (under 1 g of lithium per cell).
1.5 V · Single use
1.5 V, sold everywhere and 10 years on the shelf: fine for low-drain devices you rarely touch.
Watch out: The usable capacity depends strongly on the load, it works only down to −18 °C, and it is single use.
| Feature | Lithium AA (Li-FeS₂) | Alkaline |
|---|---|---|
| Differences (10) | ||
| Basics | ||
| Voltage range | 1.5 V nominal; Energizer rates the capacity down to 1.0 V | 1.5 V nominal; Energizer’s tests stop at 0.8 V |
| Formats | AA and AAA | AA, AAA, C, D and 9 V |
| Example (source of the figures) | Energizer L91 (AA) | Energizer E91 (AA) |
| Energy | ||
| Energy per kilogram | ≈ 310 Wh/kg | No single figure: the capacity depends strongly on the load (Energizer gives it as a chart) |
| Energy per litre | ≈ 563 Wh/L | No single figure: the capacity depends strongly on the load (Energizer gives it as a chart) |
| Life and storage | ||
| Self-discharge and storage | Shelf life 25 years at 21 °C (Energizer) | Shelf life 10 years at 21 °C (Energizer E91; 12 years on the newer E91 Max sheet) |
| Current | ||
| Maximum continuous discharge | 2.5 A, 4 A in 2 s pulses (Energizer L91) | No rated maximum; internal resistance 150–300 mΩ when fresh (Energizer) |
| Temperature | ||
| Discharge temperature | from −40 to 60 °C | from −18 to 55 °C |
| Safety, charging and shipping | ||
| Air transport | Lithium-metal dangerous goods (UN3090/3091): loose cells by cargo aircraft only; passengers may carry cells with up to 2 g of lithium | Not restricted by air when the terminals are protected against short circuits (IATA special provisions A199 for NiMH, A123 for dry cells) |
| Uses | ||
| Typical uses | Outdoor sensors, trail cameras, GPS units, flashlights in the cold | Clocks, remotes, low-drain devices |
| Same on both (5) | ||
| Basics | ||
| Type | Single use (primary) | |
| Nominal voltage | 1.5 V | |
| Life and storage | ||
| Cycle life | Single use | |
| Temperature | ||
| Charging temperature | Not rechargeable | |
| Safety, charging and shipping | ||
| Charging | Not rechargeable | |
| Can’t be compared (1) | ||
| Safety, charging and shipping | ||
| Fire risk | Not rated here | Not rated here |
Open the battery comparison →Tick what your project needs and see which of the 15 chemistries fits.
With lithium AA cells (Li-FeS₂): use in the cold and a longer rated shelf life. With alkaline cells: easier air transport.
Both are single use. Storage for lithium AA cells (Li-FeS₂): shelf life 25 years at 21 °C (Energizer). For alkaline cells: shelf life 10 years at 21 °C (Energizer E91; 12 years on the newer E91 Max sheet).
In most devices, yes: both come as AA and AAA cells.
NiMH low self-discharge vs alkaline Li-SOCl₂ vs alkaline LiFePO4 vs Li-ion (NMC/NCA) LiFePO4 vs lead-acid AGM Li-ion (NMC/NCA) vs LiPo (pouch) LTO (lithium titanate) vs LiFePO4
Figures from one or two named cells or batteries per chemistry, from the makers’ datasheets; checked in November 2026.