Comparison with lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion) are popular due to their high energy density, which allows them to be compact and lightweight. However, they are significantly inferior to LiFePO4 in winter conditions. At temperatures below 0°C, Li-ion batteries can lose up to 40% of their capacity, which leads to a decrease in driving range. In addition, such batteries are more susceptible to overheating under high loads, which makes them less safe to use in cold weather.
Why Lead Acid Batteries Are Not the Best Choice
Lead-acid batteries, although inexpensive, have a number of significant drawbacks, especially for winter use. Firstly, they are significantly heavier, which increases the weight of the e-bike and reduces its maneuverability. Secondly, their performance drops significantly at low temperatures, and they require more frequent charging. Also, lead-acid batteries have a shorter service life compared to lithium analogues.
Auto-heating in lithium iron phosphate batteries
Many lithium iron phosphate batteries are equipped with an automatic heating system, which allows them to maintain an optimal operating temperature even in severe frost. This feature is especially useful for those who actively use an electric bike in the winter, as it prevents the battery from discharging quickly and extends the ride time. Automatic heating allows the battery to remain efficient, regardless of external conditions.