The Benefits of Lead-Acid Batteries for Electric Motorcycles

Thinking about upgrading to an electric motorcycle, or do you simply need a new battery for your current one? Well, you're not alone. Electric two-wheelers of all shapes and sizes sold a record 500,000 units in the US in 2021, and they're on track to beat it again this year!

However, you've likely heard conflicting information about the best drivetrains, ranges, and of course, batteries. Let's talk about the best electric motorcycle batteries and where to find the best lead acid batteries manufacturers!

What are Lead-Acid Batteries?

Lead-acid batteries are the ones you're familiar with in most gas-powered cars. Lead acid is the substance inside that stores energy, as opposed to lithium or alkaline batteries.

Lead acid was the first rechargeable battery ever discovered, first invented in 1859 by a French physicist, and they are still widely used today. Here's what you need to know about them!

How Do Lead Acid Batteries Work?

Lead-acid batteries work due to the electrochemical reaction between lead and sulfuric acid. First, the lead is contained in "plates" that make up a cell, producing roughly two volts of electricity. Therefore, a 12-volt motorcycle battery will have six cells.

From there, the plates are suspended in a solution of water, and sulfuric acid called an electrolyte. So, when you draw current from the battery, the acid in this electrolyte bonds with the lead, leaving behind the remaining water. This reaction is then reversed during charging, allowing the battery to store more energy.

However, this reaction weakens with every turn, which is why batteries don't last forever. Still, the remaining parts can be reused later on in the redevelopment of batteries. While many people stress that these batteries are cheap, heavy, and don't last very long, we're here to discuss why they're worth it.

Benefits of Lead-Acid Batteries for Electric Motorcycles

There's a reason why lead-acid batteries are so common with combustion engine vehicles. Here's what makes lead-acid batteries the right choice for motorcycles.

Cost-Effective

Lead acid is, by far, the most affordable battery core you can choose. When you need a larger battery, the difference in costs per kWh adds up quickly.

This is why people use them in their cars. If you had to replace a lithium battery in your vehicle, you would have to spend well over $1000 for the same battery.

While nobody uses lithium in their gas-powered cars, you can see the staggering difference in solar generators, which are comparable batteries. A 1kWh lithium solar battery will cost between $1000 and $2000, whereas a 1kWh lead-acid battery could cost anywhere from $150 to $300 to replace.

Consequently, why take your chances, especially for an electric motorcycle that uses a larger battery? Yes, some lithium batteries can last for a very long time, but if they sustain damage, you're left with a major replacement cost. That's why electric vehicles are effectively totaled when the battery is damaged or too old.

Durability

One of the great myths about lead-acid batteries is that they don't last long. Without proper care, this is true. However, a lead-acid battery should last for a long time with proper care, and they are much easier to replace when the time comes.

Fortunately, lead-acid battery maintenance is simple. It's the same way you take care of your motorcycle. Keep it away from harsh elements, don't cause unnecessary damage, and don't let it freeze! If you already keep your motorcycle in a garage during the winter, then you won't have to worry about it.

See, extreme cold or heat can damage the battery over time, which is why some drivers go through batteries every two years or so. However, if you ride your motorcycle regularly, let it run a couple of times in the winter (or charge the battery), and keep it away from extreme temperatures, then you should expect a lead-acid battery shelf life of at least five years.

For comparison, top-tier lithium batteries can last for ten years with proper care. That's five to seven times the cost for only twice the duration. Even if you replace your lead-acid battery every three years, you'd still save money!

Simplicity

Another common myth about lead-acid batteries is that they're difficult to work with. This is utter nonsense. Anybody who has jumpstarted a car knows exactly how to work with these batteries.

Motorcycles won't need nearly as much energy as large trucks, so why not keep it simple, save money, and not have to worry about replacing it? Replacing a small lead-acid battery for a motorcycle is incredibly cheap.

Lead-acid batteries connect using the same positive and negative cables that we're all familiar with. They don't require extreme maintenance, unique equipment, or anything else.

For this reason, lead-acid motorcycle batteries help you keep your bike simple. This way, you won't have to order fancy new parts or learn any new skills!

Also, lead acid is a lot more simple to manufacture. As long as you're buying from a reputable dealer, lead acid is much more environmentally-friendly than lithium, which uses extremely dangerous and destructive mining practices.

DOFA Partners With Leading Lead Acid Batteries Manufacturer

Now that you know why lead-acid batteries are so popular for all motor vehicles, we are pleased to announce that we at DOFA are working with one of the leading lead-acid manufacturers in China: Chilwee. Chilwee is the largest lead acid battery manufacturer in China, producing many kinds of batteries for electric mopeds, electric road vehicle batteries, electric vehicle batteries, solar and wind energy storage batteries, and so on.

So when you buy electric motorcycles from DOFA, you can be sure that your vehicle is equipped with a battery from the leading lead acid battery manufacturer!