Can Car Batteries and Electric Vehicle Batteries Be Used Interchangeably?
2 Answers
Car batteries and electric vehicle batteries cannot be used interchangeably. Car batteries are starting batteries, while electric vehicle batteries are power batteries, also known as traction batteries. The internal structures of these two types of batteries are different, making them incompatible. Starting Battery: A starting battery is a type of battery specifically designed for use in vehicles, machinery, ships, and any other equipment with internal combustion engines that require electrical starting. It is used to power the starter motor and provide lighting. Its characteristic is the ability to deliver extremely high instantaneous discharge currents, typically 3-5C, which can exceed 500 amps when starting a vehicle! However, its drawback is that capacity drops rapidly during high-current discharge. Generally, power batteries have discharge rates of 10 or 20 hours. Power Battery: The characteristic of a power battery is its suitability for prolonged discharge. Its internal structure differs from that of a starting battery, particularly in the plate design. Power batteries use tubular positive plates, which have a larger surface area and are thicker, making them more suitable for continuous low-current discharge. They are not capable of high-current discharge. Additionally, the discharge rates of traction batteries differ from those of starting batteries. Maintenance-free batteries used in electric vehicles typically have a 2-hour discharge rate, while flooded batteries usually have a 5-hour discharge rate.
I usually enjoy studying automotive knowledge. Car batteries and electric vehicle (EV) batteries are two completely different things and cannot be used interchangeably. The small 12-volt lead-acid battery used in cars is mainly for starting the engine or powering small devices like headlights—it doesn’t have much power. In contrast, EV batteries are high-voltage lithium battery packs, often 300 volts or higher, specifically designed to drive the entire motor system for long distances. If you forcefully install a car battery in an electric bicycle or EV, it simply won’t have the capacity to move the vehicle. After a few attempts, you’ll notice the battery overheating, smoking, and quickly failing, which could even lead to a fire. I’ve seen a friend try this—their vehicle broke down on the road, and the repair costs doubled. So, when choosing a battery, always check the vehicle’s manual first or go to a professional shop for proper matching and installation—it’s safer and hassle-free. Don’t cut corners to save a little money and end up with big trouble. Make it a habit to regularly inspect the battery’s condition to prevent failures.
