Traditionally, motorcycle have utilized a lead-acid battery, although this is not always today. Lead-acid batteries have evolved to overcome numerous challenges they initially presented. However, many producers are now switching to lithium Battery as an alternative.
The motorcycle lithium batteries are now more popular than ever before. Many of us don’t give much thought to the batteries in our motorcycles for a long time. There isn’t much to consider when you just have one alternative, the classic lead-acid battery. You’re okay as long as it cranks the starter and starts the bike. If not, it’s time to replace it.
However, like with other motorcycle components, a new technology comes throughout time to enhance the breed. The battery is no different. The consumer now has additional alternatives with the introduction of a lithium motorcycle battery.
In this comprehensive guide, we are going to discuss why it would be a good idea to choose a lithium battery for your motorcycle and what are its advantages. But first, let’s look at what makes them stand out from lead-acid batteries.
Lithium Batteries vs Lead-acid Batteries
Choosing the appropriate sort of battery for your motorcycle might make a huge difference. Here are some key factors which make the lithium motorcycle battery stand out:
Material:
Lithium and lead-acid batteries both operate on the same basis. What makes a lithium motorcycle battery stand out is the material used as a cathode, anode, and electrolyte.
Lead serves as the anode in a lead-acid battery, and lead oxide serves as the cathode. Carbon serves as the anode in a lithium-ion battery, while lithium oxide serves as the cathode.
Lead-acid batteries utilize Sulphuric acid as an electrolyte, whereas lithium batteries use lithium salt. Ions travel from the anode to the cathode through the electrolyte during discharging, and the opposite process happens when charging.
Discharge Depth:
The depth of discharge refers to how much total capacity is utilized before recharging the battery. If you consume a quarter of your battery’s capacity, the depth of drain is 25%.
When you use a battery, it does not entirely drain. They instead have a suggested discharge depth of how much could be used before they need to be replenished. Lead-acid batteries must only be discharged to 50% capacity.
You face the risk of shortening their lives after that. Powersports lithium batteries, on the other hand, can withstand severe discharges of 80% or more. This simply indicates that they have a larger useful capacity.
Charge Efficiency:
Because of the smart charging algorithm implemented by the BMS, lithium-ion batteries lose less energy during the charge/discharge cycle than other battery types (Battery Management System). This is especially useful when large amounts of energy are being stored (as in EVs and solar energy storage).
Price:
The one category where lead acid batteries appear to surpass lithium-ion alternatives is pricing. A lead acid battery system may cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars less than a comparable-sized lithium setup.
The average cost of a lithium iron phosphate battery with assembly can vary depending on factors such as the size of the battery, the capacity, the manufacturer, and the intended application. It is recommended to research and compare prices from multiple suppliers and manufacturers to ensure you get the best price and quality.
While lead-acid batteries often have cheaper purchase and installation prices than lithium-ion choices, the lifetime value of a lithium-ion battery balances the scales.
Energy Density:
Both lead-acid batteries in the comparison above weigh roughly 125 pounds. The lithium battery weighs 192 pounds.
Although most installers can tolerate the added weight, DIYers may find the lithium batteries more difficult to install. It’s a good idea to have some assistance lifting and shifting them into place.
However, there is a cost: lithium batteries have a significantly better energy density than lead-acid batteries, allowing them to squeeze more storage capacity into less space.
For example, Brava 12V12AH lithium batteries are required to power a 5.13 kW system, but eight lead-acid batteries are required to do the same job. When the full battery bank is considered, lithium weighs less than half as much. If you are mounting an enclosure on the wall or putting it in a closet, the increased energy density allows your lithium battery bank to fit into smaller locations.
Operating Temperature Range:
Because lithium batteries can operate in a wide temperature range, they are suited for usage in a variety of circumstances, including severe hot or cold temperatures.
Lead-acid batteries, in contrast, are susceptible to severe temperatures and may function poorly in these settings.
This is an important element for riders who live in places with severe temperatures since having a battery that can operate well in these situations is critical for dependable operation.
you can get their differences quickly
| Lead-acid motorcycle battery | Lithium motorcycle battery | |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle Life | 2000-5000 | 500-1000 |
| Self Discharge | 0.5%-3% per month | ≥ 5% per month |
| Battery Run Time | stop working at 0% power | stop working at 50%~70% power |
| Weight | 30~70kg | one-third of the Lead acid battery in the same voltage and capacity |
| Safety | √√√√√ | √√ |
| Warranty | shorter | longer |
| Environmental Friendly | harmful | good |
| Price | relatively cheap | Quite Expensive |
8 Advantages of the Lithium Motorcycle Batteries
Motorcycles are a popular means of transportation because they are both enjoyable and efficient. However, selecting the proper motorbike battery is just as crucial as selecting the correct motorcycle. For many years, traditional lead-acid batteries were the standard, but the introduction of lithium batteries has opened new possibilities. Let’s explore some of the main advantages of a lithium motorcycle battery:
Fast Charging:
Lithium batteries may be charged to 100% capacity in few hours. A lithium motorcycle battery reduces your power bill by up to 96% and accommodates both partial and fast charging. In about 25 minutes, it may be charged to 50% capacity.
Because lithium batteries can be recharged frequently in a short period, this novel feature allows you to equip your motorcycle with lower installed battery capacity than is necessary with lead-acid batteries.
Charging a lithium motorcycle battery is super easy since the electronic mechanisms within the battery successfully manage the charger, allowing it to give the correct current that is compatible with internal characteristics voltage, temperature, charge level, and so on.
If a consumer attaches an inappropriate battery charger, the battery would not activate and is therefore completely protected.
Improved Performance:
Lithium batteries also outperform other typical batteries in terms of performance. They may offer more power while weighing less, resulting in faster acceleration and max speed.
Furthermore, LFP12.8-6 12V6AH lithium battery can withstand high discharge rates without degrading performance, making them perfect for usage in high-speed bikes.
Low Maintenance:
One significant benefit of lithium batteries is that they do not require any maintenance to assure their operation.
Ni-Cad cells have to be discharged regularly to avoid the memory effect. Because this does not affect lithium batteries or cells. This technique, as well as other related maintenance procedures, are not necessary.
Similarly, lead acid batteries or any other battery require care, with some requiring that the battery acid be filled up regularly. One of the benefits of lithium batteries is that they do not require any active maintenance.
Low Discharge Rate:
One of the most serious issues with standard lead-acid batteries is their rapid self-discharge rate, which causes them to lose power even while not in use.
Lithium batteries, on the contrary hand, have a significantly lower self-discharge rate, which indicates they can hold their charge for much longer.
As a result, they are perfect for motorcycles and dirt bikes that are not used regularly or for long periods.
Low Self-discharge:
Although low self-discharge Lifepo4 batteries are available, lithium-ion batteries are by definition low self-discharge.
High Cell voltage:
This means that fewer cells in a series string are required to generate a given voltage that can easily power devices.
Light in weight:
Lithium ion batteries are significantly lighter than other chemistries for a given size and amount of energy storage (such as Lead acid battery). This is especially useful for applications such as EVs or small portable devices.
Long Lasting:
Another significant benefit of lithium batteries is their extended lifetime. Lithium batteries like the LFP12.8-6 12V6AH lithium battery may last up to four times longer than typical batteries, which means you will have to replace them less frequently which may sound like music to the ear for many motorcycle owners.
This not only saves you money in the long term, but it also means less time spent on maintenance and battery changes.
Lithium chemistry is high-performing and appropriate for high-power applications. They provide a higher current than nickel-based batteries.
They can deliver up to 3.6 Volts, which is three times more than nickel alternatives. Lithium-ion batteries have a long shelf life because of their moderate self-discharge rate.
Even though many motorcycle enthusiasts still use lead acid or other types of batteries, slowly but surely lithium batteries are replacing them now. (LiFePO4) provides a superior combination of features that makes them convenient, environment-friendly as well as popular, and reliable. Lithium battery technology offers several distinct advantages. As a result, technology is extensively employed, and this trend is expected to continue. Understanding the benefits as well as the drawbacks or restrictions can help you in the optimum use of your lithium motorcycle battery.
FAQS:
Is lithium battery good for motorcycles?
Yes, lithium batteries are an excellent option for bikes since they are lighter, perform better, and last longer than conventional lead-acid batteries. They are becoming increasingly popular as they are among the most conventional batteries.
How to bring a dead lithium-ion motorcycle battery back to life?
A lithium-ion motorcycle battery that is entirely dead should normally not be attempted to be revived. A top-notch battery charger made for lithium-ion batteries may be able to recharge the battery if it has been sitting still for a long time and is partially depleted. The battery should be changed, though, if it is entirely dead.
What causes a new lithium motorcycle battery to go bad?
Poor quality, overcharging, undercharging, exposure to severe temperatures, physical damage, or inappropriate storage can all cause a brand-new lithium motorcycle battery to degrade. These elements may cause the lithium-ion batteries to decay, become imbalanced, or become unstable, reducing their capacity and lifespan, and perhaps resulting in fire or explosion.
Where can I buy a lithium motorcycle battery?
A lithium motorcycle battery may be purchased from a variety of offline and online merchants who focus on batteries, electronics, or motorcycle components and accessories. Amazon, Off-Road Champions, and Cycle Gear are a few well-liked choices. The battery must fulfill the relevant safety and performance criteria and be compatible with the brand and model of your motorcycle.
