Efforts to reduce carbon emissions supported by technological advancement have led to the development of lithium-ion batteries suitable for powering vehicles. The innovation has attracted mixed reactions, with vehicle owners finding it difficult to choose between lithium-ion and lead-acid powered cars.
Here are factors that make lithium-ion batteries a better option for low-speed electric vehicles than lead-acid battery-powered vehicles.
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Maintenance
The adoption of lithium-ion batteries in powering low-speed electric vehicles results in a lower cost of vehicle maintenance. Lithium-ion battery provides direct electrical power, which drives the motor responsible for rotating the shaft that initiates vehicle motion. In addition, the configuration removes a lot of equipment such as crankshaft, coolants, gaskets, and oil filters. Which require constant maintenance and are responsible for the high running cost in lead-acid powered vehicles.
Besides, a lead-acid battery requires constant recharging and filling with demineralized water, whereas a lithium-ion battery needs just a socket to recharge. Recharging lead-acid batteries also release harmful gases and therefore requires you to have a dedicated place and an additional infrastructure to ensure that the gas is disposed of safely.
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Constructive characteristics
Modern design has led to the development of a lithium-ion battery that is compact and easy to handle. Although lead-acid batteries vary in size based on their power rating from 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V, the kilowatt per hour provided by the lithium-ion battery is comparatively high compared to that offered by lead-acid battery.
The small size of the lithium-ion battery also reduces the vehicle’s overall weight, lowering energy requirements to overcome vehicle weight. As a result, the electric car powered by lithium-ion batteries achieves higher energy efficiency than those powered by lead acid batteries.
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Charging Time
Recharging time for electric vehicles is a crucial consideration that you should make before deciding whether to purchase a lead-acid or lithium-ion battery-powered vehicle. The lead-acid battery consumes more time to recharge, most requiring between six to ten hours. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries recharge within a shorter time duration. In addition, Dragonfly Energy leverages technology and innovation to provide its client with lithium-ion batteries that recharge within fifty minutes, allowing you to remain mobile for longer durations.
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Emissions Control
The increased regulations on emission control to reduce climate change have necessitated people and companies to shift towards renewable energy sources. For example, Dragonfly Energy specializes in lithium-ion battery manufacturing to support the effort of emission control. As a responsible consumer. You should choose a lithium-ion battery-powered electric vehicle to complement the efforts of corporates and the government in achieving a greener future.
Moreover, some urban centers have implemented zero-emission zones. And more towns are setting up the necessary infrastructure to support electric mobility. Based on these trends, it’s prudent for you to purchase lithium-ion battery-powered electric vehicles to control emissions and avoid fines that authorities will impose in the future for emissions arising from the use of lead acid-powered vehicles.
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Useful Life
Useful life determines how long the battery will provide your electric vehicle with services before you require to change it. For example, lithium-ion batteries can provide you with a longer useful life of three to five times that of a well-taken care lead-acid battery. When recharging, the lead-acid battery has a cycle of eighty percent, whereas that of lithium battery is ninety-five percent.
The figure means that lead-acid batteries consume more energy to recharge and provide less power than lithium-ion batteries. The lead-acid battery also discharges faster than lithium-ion batteries, making them less attractive in light electric vehicles. When the lead-acid battery discharges and its current level falls below fifty percent. It provides a fluctuating voltage that damages the vehicle’s electrical component and continued use, further lower battery lifespan.
In contrast, lithium-ion batteries provide a stable voltage throughout and have a configuration that informs you when the battery needs recharging.
The lead-acid battery remains the most common source for powering different equipment. Technological advancement and research led to the development of lithium-ion batteries that found initial application for powering small machines. The continued effort to shift to greener energy sources has led to the development of lithium-ion batteries with the capacity to provide power for sustaining electric vehicles movements.
The benefits associated with lithium-ion batteries in powering low-speed electric vehicles outweigh those powered by lead-acid batteries. Therefore, you should consider purchasing a lithium-ion battery-powered electric car for your use.
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