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Lithium vs Supercapacitors vs. Dedicated Batteries

In our decade-long experience of carrying dash cams, we have witnessed how dash cam technology has advanced at such a rapid pace. From VGA to 4K, built-in memory to Cloud storage and more, the level of resolution and features has skyrocketed.

Many of us are eager to upgrade in order to gain access to these features, but looking at the hardware of the dash cam, there's a major factor here that’s worth considering: should you get a dash cam with a lithium ion battery, or a supercapacitor?

Here at BlackboxMyCar, nearly all our dash cams - from VIOFO, BlackVue, Thinkware, and FineVu - are powered by supercapacitors. We think having one instead of a lithium-ion battery is a non-negotiable used in other brands such as Nextbase, Nexar, and Garmin.

In this article, we will take a look at the differences between a lithium battery and a supercapacitor - the pros and cons of each battery, how it affects the performance of the dash cam, and why we at BlackboxMyCar stand by Super Capacitor dash cams as the way forward.

General Overview:

Pros and Cons of a Lithium Ion Battery

✅ If you forget to switch off your dash cam, you won't have to worry about your car battery being drained

✅ Less expensive than supercapacitors

❌ Takes longer to begin recording since the battery must be charged first

❌ Will eventually fail and will need to be recharged or replaced

❌ Not safe for cold and hotter climates, sometimes overheating and exploding

❌Slower charging and discharging rates, especially when power is cut

Pros and Cons of a Supercapacitor

✅ Can assist your dash cam maintain a more consistent voltage

✅ Safe for regions where temperatures are high, keeps it from overheating or freezing

✅ Longevity, providing a more stable power source over a longer life-span

✅ No chance of the battery dying and missing a crucial event because it can record for extended periods of time without running out of power

✅Rapid charging and higher safety when power is cut

❌ To power when the vehicle is off, must be hardwired into the vehicle's electrical system, which adds time and effort to the installation process.

❌ Pricier than battery-powered dash cams

Pros and Cons of a dedicated Battery Pack

✅ Avoids any Wear & Tear on your vehicle battery
✅ Offers much longer parking mode than off a vehicle battery
✅ Precise parking mode length information through dedicated bluetooth app.
❌ Large physical size that must be hidden, normally under the seat
❌ Expensive

What’s the point of having a lithium ion battery and a supercapacitor on your dash cam?

BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 Battery Pack

Before we dive deep on this debate, let's set the bar for dash cam batteries straight.

Primarily, a dash cam battery is not intended to power the device like a smartphone, digital camera, or other electronic device. Most batteries are designed to deliver just enough power to the device when the car is shut off and ceases powering the dash cam. But to get full potential, a dash cam needs that extra bit of electricity to effectively shut down and complete functions such as saving your video footage.

Now, dash cams are utilized with the car's electric port (also known as the cigarette lighter socket) since they require a constant supply of electricity. However, when you turn off the ignition, the power source is disconnected and the camera turns down. So what do we do?

Based on our experience, lithium-ion batteries are ubiquitous and can last 5 to 10 minutes on a full charge, which is sufficient to wake up and record an occurrence while your car is parked. A capacitor, on the other hand, does not store a charge and must be powered continuously. However, it does more wonders to your dash cam’s battery life.

While both have advantages and disadvantages, knowing which best meets your needs might improve your overall experience.

Lithium Batteries - How do they work?

Upon testing and knowing how these devices work, batteries and capacitors both create electricity, but in different ways, which limits their applicability to diverse applications.

A battery uses a positive terminal (cathode), a negative terminal (anode), and an electricity conducting material (electrolyte) to convert chemical energy into electrical energy. Rechargeable batteries can be recharged by using external electrical energy.

For dash cams, lithium-ion batteries work by electrochemically storing energy. When the lithium-ion battery is charged, power flows to a substance known as the high-energy anode compound. During this time, the energy-filled lithium ions flow from the high-energy anode to the low-energy cathode material via a separator. This process liberates energy, which is subsequently transferred to a circuit.  

This cycle of charging and discharging causes the chemical components in the battery to steadily degrade over time. As a result, lithium-ion batteries will eventually lose their ability to store energy and will have a reduced power density naturally over time. This results in shorter powering periods, in the exact same way that your iPhone’s battery doesn’t last as long after 2 years or so of use.

Why is a Lithium Ion battery Good?

Nextbase Dash Cams

If you’re going to ask us about why we would choose a lithium ion battery, the first thing we would say is the cost. Lithium ion batteries are well-known for being reasonably priced, making them popular among those who would not spend more money on dash cams.

In addition, dash cams with lithium ion batteries like Nextbase don't require many additional components to be securely incorporated into the gadget. In fact, when the battery dies, it can be replaced by opening up the unit and accessing the circuit board.

While the lithium ion can be a factor in the price, there are plenty of other factors that can lead to an increased price, as Nextbase cameras are overall still rather pricey. Generally using a Lithium Ion Battery is indicative of some corners being cut, and the life-span of the camera suffering because of it.

Why is a Lithium Ion battery Bad?

We have tested hundreds of dash cams in the market. In our opinion, there is no doubt that lithium-ion batteries deliver poor results when it comes to charging and discharging speeds. Even though the charge can last longer, it generally takes 10-60 minutes to charge it once – too time consuming! Lithium Ion batteries do not need to be fully charged as is the case with lead acid, nor is it desirable to do so. From dead, it will normally take a minute or 2 for the camera to boot up and begin operations. In fact, it is better not to fully charge because a high voltage stresses the battery. Lithium Ion batteries for consumer products go for maximum capacity and cannot be adjusted; extended service life is perceived less important.

Even when a Dash Cam with a Lithium Ion battery can operate in parking mode when the vehicle is turned off, without having a constant power source to feed off of, the effective coverage of that parking mode is severely reduced. The camera will either compromise the parameters of recording, such as only waking up and recording when the vehicle is impacted, or running for a drastically shorter period of time than would be provided off of a car battery, or other power source.

We also take durability in mind, and we have proven that because of charging and discharging, batteries are more prone to wear out. As a result, the battery life gets quickly depleted. Since batteries are substantially less expensive, they are more likely to create issues and may even harm your dash cam recorder.

More importantly, safety. Lithium batteries are unsafe for warmer temperatures and can also cause overheating, leakage, and possibly explosions of your dash cam. Moreover, when your dash cam’s battery is exposed to hot temperatures, its life-span will quickly be reduced.

If this happens, you don’t just lose your footage, but you also harm your car, and even yourself. You will also add cost as you might have to get another dash cam as a replacement - which defeats the essence of lithium batteries being cheaper.

Source: VAVA Community

Beyond that, in the event of a truly rough accident, it’s not unheard of for power to the dash cam to be cut . While Supercapacitors do jump to action in such an event, supplying their full charge cycle to retain and ensure that the most recent footage finishes writing to the SD card, the same is more difficult with supercapacitors. While they take longer to charge, they also take longer to begin discharging as well, with a delayed response in such an event. We’ve heard plenty of stories of footage being recorded before and after an accident from a Lithium Ion camera, but the accident itself is corrupted and no longer accessible.

Your dash cam is there to protect you, not to cause you more headaches.

Supercapacitors - How do they work?

Now, let’s move on to the more innovative solution - supercapacitors!

Supercapacitors boast a newer technology with several distinct advantages over regular lithium-ion batteries. In contrast to lithium-ion batteries, which store energy via chemical reactions, supercapacitors store energy as an electric charge.

Diving deeper, a supercapacitor is made up of conductive plates separated by an insulating barrier (dielectric). The dielectric prevents electrical current from exiting the capacitor, accumulating a charge that is stored between the plates. The quantity of charge that a capacitor can store is determined by its charge storage capacity. One more thing is they also charge faster than batteries!

When we compare supercapacitor dash cams like BlackVue, Thinkware, and VIOFO to lithium-ion batteries, capacitor batteries are built to resist severe temperatures. Because of the unique environment and extreme weather fluctuations that a dash cam is subjected to, these supercapacitor dash cams outperform lithium batteries.

We have also proven that supercapacitors are extremely safer to use. They do not contain highly flammable liquid combinations and so cannot explode. It also is more dependable, as they can cycle hundreds of thousands of times, whereas batteries fail after a few hundred of charging and discharging cycles.

Why is a Supercapacitor Good?

Aside from the safety, temperature and weather resistance of supercapacitors, they are also reliable in terms of usage. As we know, batteries are only useful if they are charged; some larger batteries might take up to an hour to fully charge. Capacitors, on the other hand, charge in seconds and are constantly ready especially when connected to the power supply.

Capacitors can be used effectively for dash cams in such a way that they can charge within seconds of being discharged. Again, it simply takes around 10 seconds to charge up for another cycle. Even though it discharges quickly, the great power density makes it a long-term winner.

Super capacitors are very quick to charge and discharge, so if power is suddenly lost to the dash cam, they are your best bet for ensuring that the camera takes its time to properly finish writing the footage of the accident to the camera. With other batteries, those couple seconds that it takes to activate and begin discharging can result in vital footage becoming corrupted.

Source: Dashcam Deal

Why is a Supercapacitor Bad?

For us, there is only one major disadvantage of supercapacitors - it is that they do not store a charge for long periods of time, which should be ok if you are hardwiring your dash cam. 

However, many hardwire kits include a low voltage cutoff device like the BlackVue dash cams that prevents the kit from drawing power from the car battery when the voltage falls below a certain threshold. So, problem solved!

Alternatively, use a dedicated dash cam battery pack like the BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 that’s made of Lithium Ion Phosphate. It is built with the safest battery technology using LiFEPO4 which charges faster and will keep your dash cam running for longer hours in parking mode in extreme weather conditions. Moreover, it is designed with a 96Wh/7500mAh battery that delivers 25% more power and lasts up to 2,000 charge cycles - enough power for up to 48 hours of parking monitoring for your vehicle.

What’s the role of my dash cam’s operating temperature?

Here at BlackboxMyCar, we are confident to say that all the dash cams we carry are powered by supercapacitors - which is highly recommended for longevity, safety and durability. Our best brands like Thinkware and BlackVue offer a wide range of operating temperatures due to its supercapacitors.

While other battery-powered dash cams like Nextbase can only cover -20° to 45°C (from -4° to 113°F), BlackVue can withstand temperatures up to -20 °C − 80 °C (-4 °F − 176 °F). Therefore, whichever state or province you are living, your dash cam is guaranteed to be safer!

One thing we want you to remember is that a dash camera's operating temperature refers to when it will work - not when it is hazardous to the camera. So, by the time you turn on your car, warm it up, and begin driving, it should be at operating temperature.

In our opinion, heat is the main killer of a lithium ion battery powered dash cam, therefore if you reside in hotter climates like Arizona or Florida, we do not recommend these cameras.

Verdict: Lithium Ion Battery vs. Supercapacitor - Which is better?

So far, we've learned that when deciding between a lithium-ion battery and a lithium-ion phosphate or supercapacitor for dash cams, there are several aspects to consider.

When we compared the two, batteries are more prone to wear and damage as a result of frequent charging and discharging. Because batteries are a less expensive choice, many manufacturers, in order to reduce costs, frequently use low-quality batteries, which cause swelling and leakage, which can completely harm your dashcam.

Capacitors are initially more expensive than batteries, take BlackVue and Thinkware as premium examples. However, when we consider lifespan and overall performance, dash cams with supercapacitors are far more valuable than batteries. If you have a limited budget, there is no doubt that a battery-powered dash cam would suffice. If cost is an issue, VIOFO cameras excel in delivering an economic price, while keeping the essential features needed, like a capacitor. Capacitors are plainly the better option on so many aspects!

Overall, capacitors are also more reliable because they are far more resistant to heat; unlike batteries, they do not risk overheating and exploding. If you intend to use your dash cam at severe temperatures and plan to use it for longer years, choose one that is capacitor-based. Beyond dash cams, lithium ion phosphate or LiFePO4 battery packs are also guaranteed to be safer and more reliable compared to other lithium-ion batteries coming from USB power banks.

LiFePO4 Battery

Lithium-Ion USB Power Bank

Beyond Dash Cams: LiFePO4 Battery Packs vs. Lithium-Ion USB Power Banks

Earlier, we mentioned how external battery packs can be useful in prolonging the battery life of your dash cam and your car – and this is because of the LiFePO4 battery inside.

Dash cam battery packs are used to extend the parking mode functions of the dash cam, and modern ones are powered by lithium-ion phosphate, like supercapacitor dash cams. Lithium-ion phosphate is a type of rechargeable lithium-ion battery that differs from standard lithium-ion batteries in its cathode material, using LiFePO4 instead of materials like Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) or Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides (NMC).

Compared to standard lithium-ion which power up USB batteries, the key advantages of lithium-ion phosphate in dash cam battery packs are their enhanced safety due to a stable crystal structure, reduced risk of thermal runaway, and lower likelihood of fire or explosion. These batteries also offer a longer cycle life, allowing them to undergo more charge and discharge cycles before significant capacity degradation occurs.

While they may have a slightly lower energy density and higher upfront cost than standard lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion phosphate batteries are favoured for applications prioritizing safety, durability, and reliability, such as electric vehicles, and backup power systems.

We have made comparisons between the two, and the fact that USB power banks are still using lithium-ion batteries will help you make a smarter decision. Sure, USB power banks can power up your dash cam for a little while, but we don’t really recommend this for long-term usage.

Safety must come first, and LiFePO4 battery packs take the crown here. Unlike the infamous exploding lithium-ion batteries in USB power banks that once filled the headlines, LiFePO4 is the safest lithium battery type available. Unlike power banks that are prone to overheating, dedicated dash cam battery packs are built to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions.

In terms of performance, LiFePO4 battery packs also do better than USB power banks. When powering dash cams and recording footage, USB power banks may be useful for short-term recording, which is helpful in case of an accident or violation. On the other hand, having a dedicated battery pack like the BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 provides a maximum operating capacity of up to 35 hours.

Lastly, dash cams are used specifically as opposed to how phones are used - which USB power banks are mainly built for. With dash cams, you want your camera to record continuously. So with a battery pack, you start your car, and the battery pack begins charging itself from your car while also powering your dash cam. The key point here is that the dash cam is always on, which is not how power banks should operate.

Power banks are intended to charge your phone throughout the day, and then plug it in. and recharge it overnight after you've finished using it. Many don't have the ability to power something while also charging themselves. In other words, dedicated batteries benefit from being designed to work in the background.

Beyond that, once the dash cam has fully drained a battery, this will take an effect on it’s overall health. While dedicated battery packs are designed for this, and will last for an average of 2,000 cycles of being charged and discharged, whereas a USB will last for an average of only 400 cycles.

Supercapacitor Dash Cam + LiFePO4 Battery Pack = The Tag Team Champions

If you wish to prolong the life of your dash cam and your car battery, we also recommend getting an external dash cam battery pack that is powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate, similar to supercapacitor dash cams.

Our recommended battery pack
BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8

The BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 was designed by BlackboxMyCar and is manufactured by Egen Inc, the world's largest and most trusted dash cam battery manufacturer, which also produces the Cellink NEO battery packs.

Because of the unique characteristics of its LiFePo4, the BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 could be charged quickly in 50 minutes while also maintaining a longer life of up to 2,000 cycles even with frequent deep discharge cycles.

Like USB Power Banks, the PowerCell 8 battery pack can also be used to charge your laptop, smartphone, and other USB-powered devices. The BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 includes a 5V USB 3.0 power outlet, making it simple to add a mobile router to the dash cam setup in vehicles - ideal for those who have a Cloud-ready dash cam. You can also charge your mobile phone and other devices here.

BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 also has built-in Bluetooth and comes with a free Battery Manager App that you will use to monitor the status and the manage settings of the battery pack with just a few taps of your finger even if the battery pack is installed out of sight.

With the PowerCell 8, you can have a better experience by doubling, tripling, or even quadrupling the capacity with an extended battery pack. The BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 is compatible with the NEO Extended Battery Pack as well as the BlackVue Power Magic Ultra Battery Expansion Pack (B-124E).

Shop the BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 Here
BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 Dash Cam Battery Pack - Dash Cam Accessories - BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 Dash Cam Battery Pack - 12V Plug-and-Play, App Compatible, Battery, Bluetooth, Hardwire Install, LiFePO4, Mobile App, Parking Mode, sale, South Korea - BlackboxMyCar