Electric vehicles generally use three types of batteries: lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. With the upgrading of electric vehicle battery technology, lithium batteries have seen continuous growth in both development and application areas. So, which is better, lead-acid batteries or lithium batteries?
Should electric vehicle batteries be lead-acid or lithium batteries? Actually, there's no absolute answer to this question. Let's first look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries have a higher average voltage and higher energy density; in other words, for the same battery size, lithium batteries have a greater capacity. Additionally, lithium batteries are relatively lightweight and portable, and have a significantly longer lifespan. Furthermore, lithium batteries are more adaptable to high and low temperatures, less affected by temperature factors, and are more environmentally friendly.
Of course, lithium batteries also have three drawbacks. Their safety and stability are relatively poor, and they are prone to explosion if handled improperly. In addition, lithium batteries cannot be discharged at high currents and have high production requirements, resulting in higher costs.
Compared to lithium batteries, lead-acid batteries are relatively cheaper and more affordable for the general public. Furthermore, lead-acid batteries offer better high-rate discharge performance. Most importantly, lead-acid batteries fetch a higher recycling price than lithium batteries.
However, lead-acid batteries also have their own disadvantages, such as heavy metals causing environmental pollution; compared with lithium batteries, lead-acid batteries have lower energy density; and their lifespan is shorter than that of lithium batteries.
Which is better for electric vehicles: lead-acid batteries or lithium batteries? Lead-acid batteries are technically more mature and reliable, with 75% of their raw materials capable of normal recycling. Therefore, they are relatively cheaper and more affordable for electric bicycle consumers. Even if the proportion of lithium-ion batteries increases in the future, lead-acid batteries will still dominate the power battery market for electric bicycles. Lithium batteries still have a long way to go before they can completely replace lead-acid batteries.
