Can a 60v electric vehicle use a 48v battery?

[IvanLynn]

60v electric vehicles can use 48v batteries. A 60v electric vehicle is composed of 5 batteries connected in series, and its motor controller, tires, and brakes are all different. The configuration of a 60v electric vehicle is relatively higher. Introduction to automotive batteries: Automotive batteries, also known as storage batteries, are a type of battery. Their working principle is to convert chemical energy into electrical energy. Typically, the batteries people refer to are lead-acid batteries. These are mainly made of lead and its oxides, with a sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte. Working principle of automotive batteries: They use lead plates filled with spongy lead as the negative electrode, lead plates filled with lead dioxide as the positive electrode, and a 28% dilute sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte. During charging, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy, and during discharging, chemical energy is converted back into electrical energy.

[AylaMarie]

I think it's best not to replace a 60V electric vehicle battery with a 48V one, as it may cause insufficient power or system damage. The 60V system was designed with precise voltage calculations in mind. Although a 12V difference might seem minor, it actually leads to unbalanced current distribution, resulting in poor vehicle performance, slow acceleration, and difficulty climbing hills. I made a similar mistake by trying an old battery, and after a few starts, the vehicle flashed a red light and shut down. It turned out the controller detected low voltage and entered protection mode, blowing a fuse and nearly damaging the motor. In the end, I spent twice as much on repairs. My advice is to stick with a properly matched 60V battery and not cut corners for the sake of saving money. From a safety perspective, it's not worth the risk—voltage mismatch can cause short circuits and fires, especially in rainy conditions, which is even more dangerous.

[Cecilia]

I have quite some experience with this. The voltage level directly affects the performance of electric vehicles. A 60V vehicle's electrical system is designed to match 60V; switching to 48V results in insufficient power supply, making the vehicle slower and cutting its range in half. This is because the controller requires a specific voltage to drive the motor, and lower voltage forces higher current, creating overheating risks that can damage components. I've seen a friend try to save money by modifying his system, only to end up blowing fuses and needing controller repairs—more trouble than it's worth. For maintenance, first check the vehicle manual or motor label to confirm the voltage specifications. If you must switch, using a voltage booster is an option but comes with high risks. It's best to visit a professional shop to test the battery condition and opt for original batteries to extend the vehicle's lifespan.

[JordanLynn]

Saving money in the short term, but higher costs in the long run. Using a 48V battery in a 60V system leads to insufficient voltage, causing rapid power consumption—possibly draining in just one day and degrading faster than normal. Unstable current can easily damage the controller, and spending hundreds on repairs isn't worth it. From a cost-saving perspective, I recommend abandoning this idea—buy a new compatible battery or consider an alternative solution.