Battery Types for Electric Three-Wheelers

The evolution of electric vehicles (EVs) hinges on the quality, durability, and mileage capacity of their batteries. In recent years, advances in battery technology have changed consumer perceptions and led to a surge in demand. Among the various EV categories, the three-wheeled segment stands out for its pivotal role in providing vital last-mile connectivity, a crucial aspect of modern urban mobility.

Let’s take a closer look at the two main battery types commonly used in electric three-wheelers:

Lead-acid batteries

Lead-acid batteries power most three-wheeled electric vehicles. The advantages of these batteries make them popular in this segment, and the low cost of the batteries makes them profitable. Electric three-wheelers with lead-acid batteries are affordable vehicles that appeal to many consumers. They are also powerful, easy to recharge, and have a high power capacity. Another significant advantage of the batteries is that they are readily available; consumers can easily find them at competitive prices.

However, they also have some disadvantages: they are heavy batteries with a low weight-to-energy ratio. These batteries significantly increase the weight of the vehicle and reduce its range. On the other hand, the batteries could be faster to recharge, taking around 14 to 16 hours per charge, which is also a big problem. They also have a short lifespan and require a lot of maintenance. These factors affect the performance and energy of the vehicle.

Lead-Acid Battery (n.d.)

Lithium-ion batteries

Due to the limitations of lead-acid batteries, the electric three-wheeler sector is moving towards the use of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are not bulky and have a high energy density. These batteries do not increase the vehicle’s weight, and have a short charging time, making it easier for the driver to recharge. A full charge takes about 1.5 to 3 hours, much faster than the time required for lead-acid batteries.

One of the main problems with many rechargeable batteries is self-discharge. Lithium-ion batteries have a much lower self-discharge rate than other rechargeable batteries, and this rate can vary between 1-3% per month. This increases the distance the vehicle can travel on a single battery charge. In addition, this battery has a very long cycle life of around 2,000 cycles, which promises good durability. Drivers can replace the battery infrequently.

Battery maintenance is an essential issue for consumers, sometimes costing more than the usual budget. Lithium-ion batteries only require a little maintenance to maintain their performance throughout their life cycle, and the low self-cleaning rate significantly reduces the maintenance costs of these batteries. Because of these advantages, the market is moving towards lithium-ion batteries. However, lithium-ion batteries are expensive, resulting in higher vehicle prices. This is the main disadvantage of these batteries, which has a serious impact on vehicle sales.

Lithium-ion battery. Unsplash (2020)

Conclusion

As the electric three-wheeler segment continues to evolve, innovations in battery technology will play a key role in driving its growth and acceptance. Manufacturers are actively pursuing advanced battery solutions that offer improved performance and affordability. Through relentless research and development efforts, the industry aims to pioneer sustainable, long-lasting battery solutions that will drive the widespread adoption of electric three-wheelers, revolutionizing urban mobility for future generations.