Batteries

- Lead Acid Batteries (SLA)
- Silicon Batteries
- NiMh
- Lithium-ion (Li-ion)
- Lithium-polymer (LiPol)
- Lithium-Phosphate

The most commonly used battery for other manufacturers electric vehicles (EV’s) is still the Sealed lead-acid (SLA) type.

The SLA is most often used when high power or rapid current discharge is required, weight is not critical and cost must be kept to a minimum. The typical current range of the SLA is 4Ah to 47Ah. Applications that fall into this category are electric bikes, electric scooters, electric cars, Golf buggies, UPS (uninterruptible power supplies) units and electric motorbikes.

The SLA is not subject to memory effect. Leaving the battery on trickle charge or float charge for a prolonged time does no harm. If removed from the charger, the SLA holds the charge for a longer period than most other battery types. The SLA is usually lower priced per Ah than other rechargeable batteries.

On the negative side, the SLA does not adapt well to fast charging. Typical charge times are 5 to 10 hours. The SLA must always be stored in a charged state. A discharged SLA will sulphate within hours. If left in that condition, then a re-charge is very difficult or impossible. Unlike the NiMH, the SLA prefers a shallow discharge. A full discharge causes extra strain and reduces its ‘cycling’ capacity.

The number of discharges/charges is limited to between 200 to 250 cycles. An additional problem of the SLA is a relatively low load current. The load current is further reduced at lower temperatures. Compared to other secondary cells, the energy density is low, making the SLA unsuitable for lightweight bikes and other devices that demand small size. Because of its high lead and acid content, the SLA is not environmentally friendly.