According to our understanding, many consumers who go to stores selling electric vehicle batteries are overwhelmed by the sheer number of brands, models, and types, including both lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, and are unsure which type to choose.
So what are the differences between lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries? Here are some key differences summarized for consumers:
1. Durability: Lead-acid batteries generally have a lifespan of less than 400 deep charge/discharge cycles, exhibit memory effect, and are around two years. If using maintenance-free lead-acid batteries, note that they have low water loss and generally do not require the addition of distilled water. Lithium batteries are more durable, consume less energy, can withstand over 500 charge/discharge cycles, have no memory effect, and generally have a lifespan of 4-5 years. In terms of durability, lithium batteries have good vibration resistance; a fully charged battery, securely fixed, can withstand vibration at an amplitude of 4mm and a frequency of 16.7Hz for 1 hour without leakage, swelling, or cracking, and the open-circuit voltage remains normal. They also have good overcharge resistance; at 25 degrees Celsius, a fully charged battery charged at 0.1CA for 48 hours shows no leakage, swelling, or cracking, the open-circuit voltage remains normal, and the capacity retention rate is above 95%. Furthermore, they have good high-current resistance; a fully charged battery discharged at 2CA for 5 minutes or 10CA for 5 seconds shows no melting of conductive parts or external deformation.
2. Size and weight: Lead-acid battery packs generally weigh 16-30 kg and are relatively large; lithium batteries generally weigh 2.5-3 kg and are relatively small, making them lighter and easier to transport while riding. In terms of quality, it's difficult to definitively say which is better. Consumers can choose reputable brand-name batteries from authorized manufacturers based on their needs.
3. Price and warranty period: The mainstream battery on the market is 48 volts. If you want to replace it, the lead-acid battery costs about 450 yuan and has a warranty period of 1 year; the lithium battery is relatively more expensive, costing about 1,000 yuan, but has a warranty period of 2 years.
4. Mileage: With the same 48V battery, both lead-acid and lithium battery electric vehicles can travel 30-40 kilometers on a full charge. Speed mainly depends on the size of the motor used.
5. Battery capacity: Lead-acid batteries have a capacity of about 20 amps; lithium batteries have a capacity of 8-10 amps.
6. Environmental Protection: After the national "Access Conditions for the Lead-Acid Battery Industry" were promulgated in 2012, the lead-acid battery industry underwent restructuring and integration. Most manufacturers have adopted internalized cadmium-free and arsenic-free green production methods, making it more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. However, improper methods during the recycling process can still cause pollution. Lithium batteries are relatively more environmentally friendly in terms of production and recycling.
