Cargo bikes are a common means of transportation for people, and the streets are full of congestion. However, in fact, the number of electric vehicles in China is the largest, exceeding 200 million in 2015. The main body of electric vehicles is batteries, and most electric vehicle batteries are lead-acid batteries. However, lithium batteries are lighter in weight and smaller in size. Why can’t they still completely replace lead-acid batteries? Professionals tell you why.
Firstly, the technology of lead-acid batteries is more mature and has good stability. In 1859, the first lead-acid battery appeared. After more than 160 years of development, the technology of lead-acid batteries has become very mature, and the research and development progress of major automotive companies is also deep, with fewer technical barriers. Moreover, lead-acid batteries can adapt to more complex environments, with strong pressure resistance and puncture resistance. Even if leakage occurs, they are not prone to spontaneous combustion.
Second, cost advantage. The manufacturing process of lead-acid batteries is not as complex as lithium batteries. After years of production and research, the cost has been reduced to a very low level, and compared to ternary lithium batteries, the cost is nearly half cheaper. However, the profit of electric bicycles is actually not high, which is just a product with a traffic volume. Therefore, where it can be saved, it is necessary to save, so that the profit earned will be more.
Third, there is a unified standard and a complete recycling system. Lead acid batteries have been used with electric vehicles for a long time, and an industry standard has been established when manufacturing electric vehicle battery bins. This is also why people can basically replace any type of lead acid battery they buy, as long as it is of the same model. And after the battery life expires, car owners can exchange the old for a new one from the dealer, which has formed a standard recycling process.
Fourth, the capacity is too small to give full play to the advantages of lithium batteries. The energy density of lithium batteries is higher, but the gap still depends on the quantity. However, the capacity of electric bicycle batteries is not large, and the endurance of lithium batteries and lead-acid batteries is not significantly different, which does not reflect the advantages of lithium batteries.
Summary: The market always favors low-cost products, while lead-acid batteries are more popular when the cost is low, the technology is mature, and there are unified standards.
