Types of Batteries Used in Electric Two-Wheelers

Posted on: Jul 19, 2022 | | Written by:

Types of Batteries Used in Electric Two-Wheelers

The electric vehicle market is gradually gaining impetus in the Indian market and the interested users and buyers are now being able to explore a greater number of options. The manufacturers are striving hard on several technologies for the batteries to offer a maximum range for the convenience of the users and improve the attitude towards adopting e-mobility. This article will focus on the various kinds of batteries that are popularly used in Indian electric two-wheelers. However, irrespective of the nature of the bike you own, maintenance of electric bike insurance is essential under any circumstance.

Types of batteries used in electric two-wheelers

1. Lead Acid

When the electric vehicles initially hit the market, most of the batteries were lead-acid batteries. The hold of the lead-acid batteries had so far been the longest and the strongest. However, it is still in its developmental stage. These batteries consist of a lead electrode with negative porous placed on a plate and remains submerged in dilute sulphuric acid. When the electric energy is converted to chemical energy and vice versa, this is the place for charging and discharging. They possess a low energy density and offer a comparatively wider temperature range for operation. It is easier to recycle these batteries. Almost 95% of the battery content can be recycled for reuse, proving it to be healthier for the environment.

These batteries offer a low energy density and are also comparatively heavier. The manufacturing costs of these lead-acid batteries are on the lower side, however, these are not suitable for long-term usage. Because of the limited discharge depth, directly influences the overall service life. In the long run, the lead-acid batteries prove to be more expensive, as their running life is short, and you need frequent changing within four to fifteen years, depending on the usage nature and their type. Moreover, these lead-acid batteries never discharge over 30-40%, which eventually contributes to damaging the battery.

2. Lithium-ion

After the lead-acid batteries, the lithium-ion batteries conquered the market well. Most of the present generation electric two-wheelers now remain equipped with lithium-ion batteries. These are based on new technology and are comparatively denser in nature.

As the name suggests, a lithium-ion battery comprises lithium ions that are positively charged and get transferred through a liquid electrolyte from the negative end i.e., the anode to the positive end, the cathode, and vice versa, thus producing the required charge. When compared to the previous generation lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries are lighter and pricier. Moreover, they even offer you the option of fast charging and slow discharging rate.

The lithium-ion batteries offer an enhanced ratio of power to weight, improved performance at higher temperatures and a lowered self-rate. When compared to conventional batteries, these lithium-ion batteries offer a better capacity for sustaining one full charge over a significant period of time. These batteries are so designed that they enjoy a significantly higher cycle life, and may discharge up to 90% of the entire capacity. Significant portions and sections of these batteries are recyclable, making them an eco-friendly solution.

Because of their light-weightiness, the li-ion batteries offer comparatively better performance. Because of their faster discharge capacity, they can propel the concerned vehicle faster. Such enhanced propelling power, supply of enhanced power, and fast discharging are highly beneficial for HEV.

3. Nickel Metal Hydride

These types of batteries have been in the market for a considerable period of time, but they have been mostly used for hybrid vehicles, i.e., both electric and ICE. That is why we have not quite familiar with its name. Here, charging and discharging happens within the electrodes, comprising a special alloy capable of absorbing hydrogen, using a special alkaline electrolyte. They are mostly used as a capable substitute for other non-chargeable alkaline batteries with a similar shape. Moreover, these nickel-metal hydride batteries carry a comparatively lesser risk of leakage and explosion. But, on the other hand, these are pricier too.

These batteries are so designed that on one end, it contains nickel alloy while on the other end, nickel oxyhydroxide, while the electrolyte is made of potassium hydroxide. The charging and discharging speed of this battery is comparatively slower and is capable of carrying lesser power per unit weight. This makes the charging process quite time-consuming.

Under extreme high-temperature conditions, the Ni-MH batteries are prone to deteriorate much faster. This quality makes them rank on one of the lower rungs of the quality and usability ladder. However, their operating temperature range is quite impressive and is quite safe and reliable. The Ni-MH battery life cycle spans around 3000 cycles on average. They provide a voltage of 1.2 V and are quite eco-friendly. The technology followed by this battery has subsequently replaced the Ni-Cud technology.

Apart from EVs, these batteries are exclusively used in computers, automotive batteries, electric razors, several medical instruments, etc.

4. Solid State

While discussing EV batteries, solid-state batteries mark the latest advancement in this genre. Using the special Gogoro and ProLingum technology, the primary unit of solid-state battery has been manufactured. To cut the long story short and avoid excessive technical jargon, it is enough to say that, instead of using a liquid electrolyte, it uses a solid one, and hence so named. Here too, the ions keep travelling from cathode to anode and vice versa, however, produces an enhanced energy density. These batteries are targeted to offer a longer-lasting span, needless to say, they are comparatively much safer and quite more portable. The technology is still under development and has not evolved fully, still representing the developmental stage.

Conclusion

While speaking about the types of batteries used in electric two-wheelers, these four varieties adorn the list. However, since the entire EV technology is evolving, so are its ancillaries too. But, under the current market conditions, these four kinds of batteries have shown promising results. However, you must remember that maintaining a BIKE INSURANCE policy and ensuring insurance coverage is compulsory, irrespective of the vehicle or its battery type.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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