Why Switch to Lithium-ion Batteries for Your Electric Two-Wheeler and How To Do It

If you are reading this blog, chances are that you are already the owner of an electric-two-wheeler, or perhaps a potential one. So, congratulations on your ‘Pro-Earth’ choice, and your concern for the welfare of our planet, its residents, and the future!

To place things in perspective, let’s briefly recap what has powered electric two-wheelers over the years. The late 19th century and a large part of the 20th century saw the use of lead-acid batteries which were heavy, had lower energy density, and were more prone to degradation. Hence over time they were largely replaced by more advanced battery technologies, like nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), and lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion), which had the advantages of superior energy density, lighter weight, and longer cycle life. Of all these, lithium-ion batteries became the preferred choice, as they have the highest energy density, are lighter in weight, have longer cycle life, and are more eco-friendly than the others.

The fact that many EV manufacturers are transitioning from lead-acid to lithium-ion batteries, indicates where the future lies. If your electric two-wheeler is still powered by lead-acid batteries, the good news is that it's possible to transition to the future, without spending on a new vehicle. There are certain considerations that need to be checked before making the switch, but we’ll come to that later.

Let’s first present why transitioning to lithium-ion batteries is advisable and how it works to your advantage. We’ll then go a step further, to unfold the roadmap for replacing your lead-acid batteries with lithium-ion ones.

7 Solid Reasons for Switching to Lithium-ion Batteries for Electric Two-wheelers

1. Higher Energy Density

Would you like to enjoy a longer range in a lighter vehicle? Lithium-ion batteries are your answer, as they offer higher energy density than lead-acid batteries. This enables them to store more energy in a smaller and lighter package, making possible longer range while simultaneously reducing the weight of the vehicle – good reason to make that switch.

2. Longer Lifespan, Lower Long-term Costs

Who doesn’t wish for reduced expenses? Lithium-ion batteries are here to fulfil that wish, as they enjoy a longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries. They can work well for many years if properly maintained, thus ensuring that battery replacements are few and far between, bringing down long term costs. That extra money saved is definitely a good reason to make this eco-friendly switch.

3. Faster Charging

You most certainly don’t want your trip to be interrupted for too long when you are in a hurry to reach your destination! For all the time-conscious riders, lithium-ion batteries are indeed a boon, as they charge faster than lead-acid batteries, making sure your two-wheeler is ready to roll in a short span of time. Enabling a longer ride for your time and money, is a welcoming reason to switch over to fast charging lithium-ion batteries.

4. Maintenance-Free Operation

At the back of your mind, don’t you wish for no-frills maintenance of your two-wheeler? Looks like the researchers heard your thoughts, and guess what they came out with?... Lithium-ion batteries that don’t require detailed maintenance. Lead-acid batteries on the other hand, require regular electrolyte level checking for each cell, topping up with distilled water to maintain electrolyte levels, and periodical equalization charging. Surely the stress-free maintenance that saves you time, energy, and money in the long run, are happy reasons to transition to lithium-ion batteries!

5. Imminent Cost Reduction

We rarely hear of costs coming down! But lithium-ion batteries that costed more than $1100 in 2010, came down to merely $156 by the early 2020s, and were expected to reach around $100 at the end of 2023. This was thanks to the economies of scale that kicked in with rapid increase in demand for electric vehicles, and consequently batteries too. Furthermore, with research consistently focussing on improved battery life, and cost containment, the downward trend is likely to continue, albeit at a lower rate. While currently, the initial cost of lead-acid batteries may be in a similar range or lower, the fact that they have lower energy density and shorter lifespan, will affect the log-term cost-effectiveness and performance of your e-two-wheeler. A holistic analysis therefore tilts the scales in favour of lithium-ion batteries, from the long-term cost perspective. That’s indeed a good reason to switch!

6. Improved Performance

Two-wheelers are symbolic of thrilling freedom and exhilarating mobility, whether you zip through like lightening with the wind in your hair on open roads; or steadily move forward, leaving the traffic behind on jammed streets! So, as a two-wheeler rider you definitely want good vehicle and battery performance. Lithium-ion batteries offer you just that! Their higher discharge rate, higher energy density, and better efficiency, are geared to enhance acceleration and overall vehicle performance. Isn’t that high-speed, spine-tingling acceleration on open roads, an extremely compelling reason to opt for lithium-ion batteries?

7. Enhanced Environmental Benefits

Last but not the least, we can’t forget our responsibility to Mother Earth. Lithium-ion batteries can transform us from being problem creators, to being problem solvers! While both lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries have their environmental impacts, lithium-ion batteries generally perform better in terms of lowering greenhouse gas emissions, containing air and noise pollution, improving resource efficiency, and reducing waste generation. Isn’t our health and the concern for our future generations, more than sufficient reason to switch to lithium-ion batteries?

Now that we have seven solid reasons for switching over to lithium-ion batteries for electric two-wheelers, let’s also understand what it takes to get there. We need to clear certain considerations when retrofitting an electric two-wheeler with lithium-ion batteries. These considerations include ensuring compatibility with the vehicle's charging system, voltage requirements, physical dimensions, and safety considerations such as thermal management and protection circuitry. To ensure trouble-free post-switch rides, it’s necessary to get on board a qualified technician or engineer who is experienced with electric vehicle conversion. Given below is a broad understanding of what’s required, to make a successful switch.

Steps to Switch to Lithium-ion Batteries for Your Electric Two-wheeler

1. Research

The first step is to pinpoint and prioritize your needs, and then research the different lithium-ion batteries that are available for electric two-wheelers. Areas of focus should be: Energy Density, Voltage, Capacity, and Price. This will help narrow down on the lithium-ion battery which is the best match for your wish list.

2. Compatibility

It’s vital to verify whether you e-two-wheeler model is compatible with lithium-ion batteries. Chances are that alterations or improvements may be needed to accommodate the different size or voltage of lithium-ion batteries.

3. Purchase

Having zeroed in on the lithium-ion battery that best suits your electric two-wheeler and your needs, ensure that you buy the batteries from a supplier/manufacturer who has a good reputation in the market. Also read the fine print in terms of warranty, customer support, and after-sales service – before you finalise your purchase.

4. Installation

Make sure to read the manufacturer’s manual thoroughly, so that the proper installation process is accurately followed. The old lead-acid battery must be properly removed, and all necessary adjustments should be carried out, to fit the new battery securely in place.

5. Charging

The lithium-ion battery should be charged with a compatible charger. Here too, the manufacturer's guidelines must me followed w.r.t charging voltage, current, and charging time. This will ensure better performance, safety, and longevity of the battery, and consequently the vehicle too.

6. Maintenance

Maintenance though low for lithium-ion batteries vis-à-vis lead-acid batteries, nonetheless, there will be a few guidelines recommended by the manufacturer. In general, avoid overcharging; ensure you store the battery in a cool, dry place; and periodically check for any signs of damage or deterioration.

These steps, along-with a technically experienced person on board, will make your switch to lithium-ion batteries smooth; setting you off on a new journey with higher energy density, better performance, faster charging, longer lifespan, and lower maintenance which will also keep your purse happy over your e-two-wheeler’s lifespan... Not forgetting the satisfaction of doing your bit for the environment, and for your descendants too!

There you have it ¬– seven solid reasons for switching to lithium-ion batteries for your e-two-wheeler, and the blueprint on how to get there. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Take that step today, for a better future and a better world.

Battrixx is here to assist your progress. Visit our website www.battrixx.com to explore our range of green clean energy systems not just for e-two-wheelers, but for the entire range of Electric Vehicles – Bicycles, Two-Wheelers, Three-Wheelers, Cars, Passenger Vehicles, Light Commercial Vehicles, Tractors, and even niche vehicles like, Golf Carts, Forklifts, and Marine Transportation. Going beyond transportation, Battrixx batteries also power Portable Devices, UPS, Telecommunication and more…

Battrixx offers Smart, Scalable, Safe powering solutions which incorporate advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS), to ensure your safety and that of your vehicle too. Additionally, avail of the customer-centric focus of our lithium-ion battery packs that offer you performance excellence, longevity, and efficiency… and of course superior serviceability.

We understand the varying needs of customers and hence offer customization to make our battery packs scalable in terms of capacity and voltage, making them adaptable to counter challenges of space, range and budget, without any compromise on safety or performance.

Embedded with can communication technology, our battery packs enable display, detection and storage of valuable information like drive cycle current, voltage, temperature, fault diagnostics, etc. What’s more, you are also assured of the highest global standard requirements in designing, constructing, and testing battery packs, as confirmed by the ARAI Certification under AIS 156 Amendment III Phase 2, awarded to us for our battery packs.

Join hands with Battrixx and make the future Electric and Safe!