When comparing lithium cells and lead-acid batteries(VRLA) for electric bicycles, they can be compared in terms of price, service life, performance and portability, charging speed, and safety. For example, the price of lead-acid batteries is about 1/3 of that of lithium cells, but the life of lead-acid batteries is also about 1/3 of that of lithium cells. In addition, the advantages of lithium cells are light weight, small size, and long service life. The disadvantage is that the price is relatively expensive, and the security is small. Which one is better and the specific advantages and disadvantages of lead-acid batteries and lithium cellS, then let’s take a look!
Which is better, lead-acid battery or lithium cell?
The battery is a consumable accessory of the electric bicycle. After a period of use, the cruising range of the electric bicycle will be shortened. At this time, the owner needs to replace the battery to increase the battery life of the electric bicycle. When replacing the battery of the electric bicycle, is it better to choose a lead-acid battery or a lithium cell?
1.Comparison of Price
Since the manufacturing process of lead-acid batteries is relatively simple and the cost of materials used is relatively low, the cost of lead-acid batteries is much lower. In addition, lead-acid batteries have a recyclable value after use. When replacing lead-acid batteries, you can take the old-for-new method, and the old batteries can be partially offset. Also due to the manufacturing process, the price of lithium cells is much higher. Also due to the manufacturing process, the price of lithium cells is much higher, generally 2 to 3 times that of lead-acid batteries. However, lithium cells have no recyclable value after use. Therefore, the price of lead-acid batteries is more advantageous than that of lithium cells.
2.Comparison of Service Life
Whether it is a lithium cell or a lead-acid battery, it has a certain service life. The number of cycles of charge and discharge of the battery determines the service life. The lead-acid battery has about 350 cycles of charge and discharge, and can generally be used for 1 to 2 years. The number of cycles of charging and discharging of lithium cell is about 500~1000 times, and it can be used for 3~5 years. Therefore, the service life of lithium cells is about 2~3 times that of lead-acid batteries. In terms of service life, lithium cells have obvious advantages over lead-acid batteries.
3.Comparison of Performance
Due to the manufacturing process, lithium cells have higher energy density compared to lead-acid batteries. That is to say, using the same volume of lithium cell and lead-acid battery, the lithium cell can store more power. Under the same circumstances, lithium cells can release more power, and the cruising range of the electric bicycle will be further. Therefore, the performance of lithium cells is higher than that of lead-acid batteries.
4.Comparison of Portability
Next, let’s take a look at the portability of lithium cells and lead-acid batteries. Also due to the manufacturing process, using the same volume of lithium cell and lead-acid battery, the quality of the lithium cell will be lighter, generally 1/3 of the lead-acid battery. Due to the lighter weight, the new national standard electric bicycles that limit the weight often choose to use lithium cells. In this way, the cruising range of the bicycle can be increased without significantly increasing the quality. In terms of portability, lithium cells have more advantages than lead-acid batteries.
5.Comparison of Charging Speed
During the use of an electric bicycle, the battery needs to be charged frequently. Lithium cell supports fast charging function, which can be fully charged within one hour. While the lead-acid battery takes 6-8 hours to charge. So in terms of charging speed, lithium cells are much faster than lead-acid batteries.
6.Comparison of Security
Safety is an unavoidable topic. Next, let’s take a look at which one is safer in the process of using lithium batteries or lead-acid batteries. Also due to the manufacturing process, lead-acid batteries are relatively stable and safe, and will not catch fire or explode during use. Lithium cells are relatively active and may cause fire and explosion if used improperly. However, lithium cells of big brands generally have a BMS battery management system. As long as they are used properly, lithium cells are safe. In terms of safety, lead-acid batteries are safer than lithium cells.
Through the comparison of the above aspects, it can be seen that the price of lead-acid batteries is about 1/3 of that of lithium cells, but the life of lead-acid batteries is also about 1/3 of that of lithium cells. Therefore, the annual usage costs of the two are roughly the same. Lithium cells are more advantageous in terms of performance, portability and charging speed. Therefore, when replacing the battery, it is more advantageous to choose a genuine lithium cell from a big brand than to use a lead-acid battery.