Electric Vehicle Batteries

Overview of Indian Battery Types for Vehicles

India’s battery market is diverse, catering to a variety of vehicles, including cars, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and other automotive applications. Below is a breakdown of the primary types of batteries used in these vehicles, along with their features, types, and typical weight ranges.

1. Car Batteries

Car batteries are primarily used for starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) functions in passenger vehicles.

Types:

• Lead-Acid Batteries:

  • Most common type used in cars.

  • Subcategories: Flooded (wet cell) and Maintenance-Free (MF) batteries.

• Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries:

  • High-performance option for advanced vehicles with start-stop systems.

• Lithium-Ion Batteries:

  • Emerging technology for hybrid and electric cars (EVs).

Weight Range:

• Lead-Acid: 10–25 kg.

• Lithium-Ion: 8–15 kg.

2. Two-Wheeler Batteries

Two-wheeler batteries power motorcycles, scooters, and electric two-wheelers.

Types:

• Lead-Acid Batteries:

  • Conventional choice for petrol-powered two-wheelers.

• Gel-Based Batteries:

  • Offer improved performance and durability over regular lead-acid batteries.

• Lithium-Ion Batteries:

  • Used in electric scooters and bikes, providing longer life and lighter weight.

Weight Range:

• Lead-Acid: 3–5 kg.

• Lithium-Ion: 2–4 kg.

3. Three-Wheeler Batteries

Three-wheelers (rickshaws) use batteries for passenger transport and light goods carriage.

Types:

• Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries:

  • Common in traditional three-wheelers.

• Tubular Lead-Acid Batteries:

  • High-performance variant, used for electric three-wheelers.

• Lithium-Ion Batteries:

  • Increasingly adopted for electric rickshaws due to lighter weight and quick charging.

Weight Range:

• Flooded Lead-Acid: 15–40 kg.

• Tubular: 20–60 kg.

• Lithium-Ion: 10–20 kg.

4. Automotive Batteries

This category covers batteries used in trucks, buses, tractors, and other heavy vehicles.

Types:

• Lead-Acid Batteries:

  • Standard for most heavy vehicles.

  • Subcategories: Deep-cycle and starter batteries.

• Lithium-Ion Batteries:

  • Gaining traction in hybrid and electric heavy vehicles.

• Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries:

  • Used in specific hybrid models.

Weight Range:

• Lead-Acid: 30–60 kg for trucks; 80–150 kg for buses.

• Lithium-Ion: 20–80 kg (depends on capacity).

5. Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries

Batteries for fully electric cars, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers are growing rapidly in popularity due to India’s EV push.

Types:

• Lithium-Ion Batteries:

  • Most widely used; high energy density and long life.

• Solid-State Batteries:

  • Emerging technology promising better safety and performance.

• Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) Batteries:

  • Preferred in high-performance EVs.

• Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP) Batteries:

  • Known for safety and cost efficiency.

Weight Range:

• Varies widely based on capacity:

  • Two-Wheelers: 10–20 kg.

  • Three-Wheelers: 20–50 kg.

  • Cars: 200–500 kg.

Conclusion

India's battery ecosystem spans traditional lead-acid variants to advanced lithium-ion technologies, supporting the transition from internal combustion engines to electric mobility. Each battery type is tailored to its specific vehicle category, with weight, type, and performance parameters optimized for its application.