Lithium-Ion vs. Lead Acid- Which is the Better Option for Low-Speed Electric Vehicles?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.