ATVs can have various types of batteries to choose from. Here are several common types of ATV batteries:
- Lead Acid Battery The lead-acid battery has electrodes primarily made of lead and its oxide, and the electrolyte is a sulfuric acid solution. In a discharged state, the positive electrode is mainly composed of lead dioxide, and the negative electrode is mainly composed of lead. In a charged state, both the positive and negative electrodes are mainly composed of lead sulfate. The nominal voltage of a single lead-acid battery cell is 2.0V, capable of discharging to 1.5V and charging to 2.4V. In practical applications, it is common to connect six single cells in series to form a nominal 12V lead-acid battery. There are also configurations such as 24V, 36V, 48V, and so on.
Advantages:
(1) Higher voltage.
(2) Low cost.
(3) Suitable for making batteries with capacities ranging from 1Ah to several thousand Ah, with diverse structures.
(4) Good high-rate discharge performance, suitable for engine starting.
(5) Good performance in high and low temperatures, operational in the range of -40 to 60°C.
(6) Energy efficiency can reach 60%.
(7) Easy to use for float charging, with no “memory” effect.
(8) Easy to identify the charged state (charged state reflects the remaining capacity of the battery).
Disadvantages:
(1) Lower energy density, resulting in shorter driving range per single charge.
(2) Short cycle life, high usage cost.
(3) Long charging time.
(4) Lead is a heavy metal, causing environmental pollution.
- Lithium Battery Lithium batteries are a type of battery that uses lithium metal or lithium alloy as the positive/negative electrode material and a non-aqueous electrolyte solution. Due to the highly reactive nature of lithium metal, its processing, storage, and use impose high environmental requirements. With the development of science and technology, lithium batteries have become mainstream.
Advantages:
- High energy density: The volumetric and gravimetric energy density can reach 450Wh/dm^3 and 150Wh/kg, respectively, and it is continuously improving.
- High single-cell voltage: Approximately 3.6V, with a charging voltage typically around 4.2V and a discharge termination voltage not lower than 2.5V.
- Low self-discharge rate: 5% to 10% per month, less than half of nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries, with no memory effect and superior cycling performance.
- High output power
- Wide operating temperature range: Can function normally between -20°C to 80°C.
- Long lifespan: Cycle life is over 2000 times. Under similar conditions, lithium batteries can be used for 7 to 8 years.
- Safe to use: Lithium batteries undergo rigorous safety testing and do not explode even in traffic accidents.
- Large capacity of lithium batteries
- No memory effect in lithium batteries
- Environmentally friendly: Lithium batteries are green, non-toxic, non-polluting, have widespread raw material sources, and are cost-effective.
Disadvantages:
- High cost
- Requires special protection circuit to prevent overcharging or overdischarging.
- Poor compatibility with regular batteries, as lithium-ion batteries may need to replace three regular batteries (3.6V) in certain cases.
- Poor low-temperature performance of lithium batteries.
Are lithium atv batteries worth it？
Certainly, comparatively speaking, lithium batteries are more suitable for ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) than lead-acid batteries.
Energy Density: In the case of batteries with the same weight, lithium batteries have higher discharge efficiency and better endurance. Based on current market trends, consumers are more concerned about models with strong endurance. Therefore, lithium batteries have an advantage over lead-acid batteries in this regard.
Lifespan: Lithium batteries have high safety levels, remaining safe under adverse conditions like puncture, short circuit, and compression without deformation. They exhibit good temperature performance and can maintain their lifespan even in high temperatures. Consequently, lithium batteries have a longer lifespan compared to lead-acid batteries.
Safety: Lead-acid batteries produce a significant amount of hydrogen and oxygen during prolonged charging, which can lead to explosions when exposed to an open flame. Overcharging also poses a risk. In this aspect, lithium batteries with a BMS (Battery Management System) protection board are relatively safer.
Environmental Impact: Lead-acid batteries contain a large amount of heavy metals such as lead. Additionally, due to their shorter lifespan, a considerable number of discarded lead-acid batteries can lead to secondary pollution if not properly handled.
Cost: While lead-acid batteries have a lower initial cost than lithium batteries, considering the longer lifespan and higher safety of lithium batteries, the overall maintenance and replacement costs are much lower.
Types of Lithium Batteries:
- Ternary Lithium Battery: This material balances capacity and safety. It has better cycling performance than normal lithium cobalt oxide. Initially, due to technical reasons, its nominal voltage was only 3.5-3.6V, with some limitations in usage. With continuous formula improvements and structural enhancements, the nominal voltage has now reached 3.7V, and the capacity has reached or surpassed that of lithium cobalt oxide batteries.
