When it comes to purchasing an electric vehicle, the decision between lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries depends on your unique usage scenarios and intended purposes. Especially in regions with cold climates like the northern areas, the performance of lead-acid batteries outshines that of lithium-ion batteries in low-temperature environments. Lithium-ion batteries experience performance degradation in extremely cold conditions, while lead-acid batteries manage to maintain better operational efficiency in such cold temperatures.
Drawing from the experience of Mr. Liu Godan, who purchased an electric vehicle in Shenyang, Liaoning, with a 48V 12A lithium-ion battery, a 350W electric motor, and a range of 20 kilometers, he faces a predicament. Despite commuting 11 kilometers daily and recharging once, he encountered significant battery capacity reduction and even inability to recharge during severe winter weather. He found himself having to detach the battery, carry it to the office for charging, and reinstall it onto the vehicle due to the lackluster performance of the lithium-ion battery in cold temperatures.
In comparison, lead-acid batteries exhibit better performance in cold conditions. Mr. Liu observed that his colleagues with lead-acid batteries saw their winter range drop to 30 kilometers, still sufficient for their daily commute back home. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries plummeted to a mere 5 kilometers, failing to meet daily travel requirements.
Moreover, while lead-acid batteries are slightly heavier, they come at a more affordable price point. On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries are lighter but tend to be pricier. Lead-acid batteries offer superior safety performance and are less prone to issues like overcharging and deep discharging. Additionally, they support battery replacement, making them a more economically viable option.
Mr. Liu Godan also mentioned the licensing issue. His electric vehicle did not meet the requirements for vehicle registration due to exceeding weight and high electric motor power. He advised prospective buyers to meticulously consider whether their vehicle parameters align with the registration standards, thereby avoiding the inconvenience of disqualification due to non-compliance.
In conclusion, the choice between lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries for an electric vehicle purchase hinges on usage scenarios, climate conditions, and individual needs. In regions with chilly climates, like the northern areas, lead-acid batteries stand as a more suitable choice due to their superior cold-weather performance. Conversely, lithium-ion batteries exhibit better performance in other climate conditions but come with a higher price tag.
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