Li-ion batteries secure production lead

Phelps' EB575152VA model has more than 10 days standby time and short-circuit, overcurrent, -charge and -discharge protection.

Manufacturers of mobile phone batteries in China continue to underscore Li-ion types to match requirements in mainstream handsets.

The chemistry currently leads supply with an 85 percent share of the country’s total battery yield. This version represents more than 90 percent of Dongguan Gaoyuan Battery Co. Ltd’s output and dominates production at Shenzhen Wanshuntong Technology Co. Ltd.

Makers continue to pursue the line to take advantage of a mature technology and strong demand, so the category will likely prevail in the next few years.

Li-polymer batteries, however, will gain momentum, with market share projected to reach 50 percent in coming years on the back of expanding adoption in ultraslim handsets and devices. Compared with Li-ion counterparts, the former are easier to produce in thinner versions. Adoption has nevertheless been slow because they are 30 percent more expensive due to the lack of an industry chain to lower costs.

Most China suppliers target their batteries at Nokia, Motorola and Samsung phones. The BL-4U model from Shenzhen Shirui Battery Co. Ltd is suitable for Nokia’s E66, 3120C, 6212C, 8900, 6600S, E75 and 5730XM handsets. The variant boasts 1,000mAh capacity and 3.7V voltage, and has overcharge and -discharge, and short-circuit protection.

The country’s mobile phone battery exports will hit 1.2 billion units this year, 60 percent of the global output. Growth in the line will be fueled by robust handset sales, which rose 19 percent YoY to reach 427.8 million units in 1Q11, according to Gartner. Smartphones represented 24 percent, with revenue up 85 percent. This year, total shipments are forecast to climb to 1.8 billion units from 1.6 billion, a 12 percent increase YoY.

Despite the upturn, product development in China’s mobile phone battery line remains sluggish as makers strive to match power requirements in mobile phones. With the latest handsets boasting larger and brighter screens and more applications, high power consumption is inevitable.

Enterprises are hard-pressed to improve the capacity amid safety and portability issues. Many are prolonging the battery life instead via power-saving features.

China’s more than 300 suppliers are dealing with stiff competition as well, striving to stand out amid the growing homogeneity in the line. To attract more orders, makers such as Phelps Technology Co. Ltd will turn out batteries targeted at the newest mobile phones. Dongguan Gaoyuan, meanwhile, will improve production efficiency and forge close partnerships with raw material providers to lower outlay.

Manufacturers are also reporting a drop in margins due to the strengthening yuan and shrinking orders from markets experiencing an economic slump.

Li-ion, Li-polymer batteries

The selection from China consists of Li-ion and Li-polymer types. The first is expected to continue dominating production, although the latter packs extra 150 to 200mAh capacity in units of the same size.

Most mobile phone batteries from the country support 600 to 1,500mAh capacity, 3.7V output and 4 to 4.2V charging voltage. Releases usually have short-circuit and overcurrent and -load protection, and meet CE, RoHS and UL guidelines.

Entry-level Li-ion models, which list from $0.90 to $1, deliver 600 to 1,000mAh capacity. Midrange kinds with 1,020 to 1,500mAh go for $1.41 to $1.80, while upscale configurations boasting 1,500 to 2,000mAh are quoted between $1.81 and $3.

The last variants have A-grade battery cells and are typically adopted in handsets with high power consumption. To accommodate the battery's large size, makers integrate a special back cover.

China companies also offer PDA and NiMH batteries and mobile phone chargers.

The key component for manufacture is the battery cell. This is typically sourced from local providers. Some businesses turn out cells and protection circuits in-house to control quality and performance.

Enterprises that produce battery cells rely on domestic partners for the electrolyte and anode and cathode materials, while the diaphragm usually comes from Japan and South Korea makers. The inputs account for 75 percent of total battery cell costs.

Given the hazards posed by lithium, manufacturers employ individual packaging or cold cabinets to ensure the safety of units during transport.

Hong Kong: Line highlights Li-polymer variants

Hong Kong's mobile phone battery suppliers are focusing on Li-polymer types to cater to slimmer handsets. The category boasts light weight and thin dimensions but high capacity, making it suitable for smartphones with large power consumption. Product development activities revolve around extending the battery life amid the increasing number of mobile phones with power-hungry applications.

To this end, manufacturers have introduced combination battery extenders and back covers. Although these are primarily targeted at the iPhone, many companies are developing similar versions for other phones. Makers are likewise offering units in different capacity to widen customers' options.

Businesses are constantly bolstering R&D and production capability to meet requirements for high-performance and -safety releases.

Suppliers in the territory also provide batteries for digital cameras, laptops, tablet PCs, netbooks, MP3 players, GPS navigation devices and other applications to strengthen business. EEMB Co. Ltd's selections are adopted in electric vehicles, solar and wind power storage equipment, backup systems and power tools. A manufacturer of rechargeable lithium batteries for 16 years, the enterprise makes cells, packs and other components in-house to reduce outlay and ensure quality.

Speedy Communication International Ltd provides batteries for Apple, HTC, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson mobile phones. It also offers units for digital cameras.

Hong Kong battery suppliers such as Newstar Communication Co. Ltd likewise pursue accessories for handsets, including screen protectors. These are usually bundled with batteries and feature customized packaging. The maker offers Li-ion kinds with long operating life and short-circuit protection for various phone models.

Related article:
Mobile phone chargers: Suppliers explore Micro-USB

Product gallery

Dongguan Gaoyuan Battery Co. Ltd
(mainland China)

Model: BL-5C
MOQ: 5,000 units
Delivery: 25 days
Description: Li-ion rechargeable battery; 1,020mAh capacity; 3.7V; double IC protection; long life span

Dongguan Gaoyuan Battery Co. Ltd
(mainland China)

Model: BL-4C
MOQ: 5,000 units
Delivery: 25 days
Description: Li-ion rechargeable battery; 860mAh capacity; 3.7V; double IC protection; long life span

EEMB Co. Ltd
(Hong Kong)

Model: LP654765
Description: Li-polymer battery; 2,200mAh capacity; 3.7V rated, 4.2V charging voltage; 0.2C discharge; 500 cycles life span; 41.5g

Newstar Communication Co. Ltd
(Hong Kong)

Model: BAHTDESIREHDXL
Description: 1,250mAh capacity; 3.7V; for HTC Desire HD A9191

Phelps Technology Co. Ltd
(mainland China)

Model: BH6X
MOQ: 100 units
Description: Rechargeable Li-ion battery; 2,900mAh capacity; 3.7V; >10 days standby time; short-circuit and overcurrent, -charge, -discharge protection; >500 cycles life span; in black; 10.16x65.08x41.7mm; 51g; CE, RoHS, UL

Shenzhen Shirui Battery Co. Ltd
(mainland China)

Model: BL-5C
MOQ: 5,000 units
Delivery: 3 days
Description: Li-ion battery; 1,000mAh capacity; 3.7V; short-circuit and overcharge, -discharge protection; 53x34x5.6mm; custom colors

Shenzhen Shirui Battery Co. Ltd
(mainland China)

Model: BL-4C
MOQ: 5,000 units
Delivery: 3 days
Description: Li-ion battery; 800mAh capacity; 3.7V; short-circuit and overcharge, -discharge protection; 53x34x4.6mm

Shenzhen Shirui Battery Co. Ltd
(mainland China)

Model: BL-4U
MOQ: 5,000 units
Delivery: 3 days
Description: Li-ion battery; 1,000mAh capacity; 3.7V; short-circuit and overcharge, -discharge protection; 61.9x38x4.6mm