e bike

Electric Vehicles and Batteries: Driving the Future of Transportation

Electric vehicles are century-appropriate vehicle advancements that have gained the masses’ acceptance. Their portability and economical rates have made them the most preferred mode of transportation. It has forced industry leaders and enterprises to ensure an abundance of options, such as electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. 

It is deciphered that India’s electric vehicle sales will increase by around 30% by 2030. To address the rising demand with this significant figure, there is a need for an ironclad initiative in battery technology. 

The battery technology, the core of an electric vehicle, has shaped it in the way it is today. In this blog, we will discuss the existing options and iconoclastic introductions that will eventually arise. 

Best Options Available in the Existing Market

These are the two types of batteries for electric vehicles you can find in the market:-

  • Lead Acid Batteries: These rechargeable batteries have sulfuric acid as an electrolyte. These operate on the mechanism of flow of charge from anode to cathode and vice-versa. Despite the availability of other options in the market, these are some of the high-selling batteries due to their performance and cost-efficiency. 
  • Lithium-ion Batteries: These are the most common batteries on the market and are mostly present in an electric vehicle. They have gained preference due to their overall performance and reasonable price. 

Futuristic Alternatives Knocking the Door

Here are some of the better alternatives researchers and innovators are likely to bring in the future:-

Solid State Batteries

These are the following steps to enhancing the existing structure of batteries for electric vehicles. These batteries have a solid electrolyte instead of the liquid one available in the lithium-ion batteries. The same addresses some looming threats prevailing in existing batteries and makes them safer for application. Moreover, these offer solutions to several existing concerns. Here are some of the benefits a person receives from using a solid-state battery:-

  1. Energy Density: Higher energy density enables the battery to store more energy in the same space. Improved energy density makes things more efficient by improving the vehicle’s performance. 
  2. Safety: The solid electrolyte offers a notable advantage to liquid-state counterparts presently used in batteries. Solid electrolytes are less susceptible to thermal runaways and explosions due to the absence of flammable liquids. Enhanced safety features present in this battery provide the peace of mind you aspire to. 
  3. Higher Charging Speed: They contain high power density cells that enable them to reduce charging time significantly. It makes things more efficient and productive for a person. 

Flow Batteries 

These contain liquid electrolytes with metal ions in various oxidation states, making them distinct from traditional batteries. These contain external tanks for storing electrolytes, and their pumping system supplies them in cell stacks during operation. The following are some of the advantages of flow batteries that make them unique:-

  1. Reusable Electrolytes: When the stored energy depletes, you can swap out electrolytes. The electrolyte replacement process being quick reduces battery downtime. It also maintains consistent operation and enhances overall efficiency. 
  2. Scalability: Here, scalability refers to the ability of the battery to increase its storage capacity by increasing the size of the flow tanks. It enables them to address varying energy demands. 
  3. Life Span: These have a higher life span and offer more to consumers. The higher lifespan of these batteries makes things more convenient for vehicle owners and gives them a sense of security. With the same, they will likely be a better alternative to conventional batteries. 

Sodium-ion Batteries

These have sodium as the primary element instead of lithium, and their chemistry is better than the current variants of batteries. The following are some of the advantages one receives from using these batteries:-

  1. Environmental Friendliness: Sodium is a more abundant element than lithium, making the manufacturing process minimally invasive for the environment. The same enables the user of this battery to contribute to a sustainable future. 
  2. Cost: The lower price of sodium due to its abundance and lesser input required in the manufacturing process of these batteries makes them cost-effective. Despite the advancements, these batteries will be available for more users, making them a more inclusive product. 
  3. Lifespan: Compared to lithium-ion batteries, these batteries have a longer lifespan. The lower-side reactions due to sodium ions also contribute to the higher lifespan of these batteries. Along with lifespan, the battery’s stability also remains maintained.   

Concluding Remarks

There are many options for e bike batteries, three-wheeler batteries, etc. The rise in demand has shaped the existing market and has delivered the lithium-ion battery. Futuristic options are on the way and will supposedly make things more efficient. If you are looking for a li-ion battery for bike, you can find the best options on Likraft