What is the difference between the battery of an electric vehicle and that of a conventional car?
3 Answers
The differences between the battery of a conventional car and that of an electric vehicle: The car battery discharges to start the engine motor in an instant, while the electric vehicle battery continuously discharges to power the motor for rotation. The car battery is a starting-type battery, whereas the electric vehicle battery is a power-type battery, also known as a traction battery. Below is some information about batteries: 1. A battery is a type of cell, also called an accumulator, which works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. 2. Typically, the battery people refer to is a lead-acid battery, which mainly uses lead and its oxides as electrodes and a sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte.
The battery in an electric vehicle is actually a large battery pack, primarily using lithium-ion technology to power the electric motor, with voltages exceeding 400 volts and enormous capacity, providing long driving ranges. In contrast, a conventional car's battery is lead-acid, only 12 volts, responsible for starting the engine and powering small devices. The key difference lies in the chemical composition: lithium-ion batteries have high energy density, are lightweight, and can undergo thousands of charge-discharge cycles, but they are expensive; lead-acid batteries are cheaper but have a shorter lifespan, lasting only a few hundred cycles before failing, and they may even freeze in winter. Additionally, the EV battery is fully integrated under the chassis, making it difficult to replace without professional technicians, whereas a conventional battery is located in the engine bay, allowing users to DIY replacements. I've tried driving an EV on long trips—the large battery is indeed durable, but charging requires patience, unlike conventional cars that can start and go immediately.
From a financial perspective, this matter is most tangible. A regular car battery costs a few hundred bucks and lasts only two to three years, making replacement a painful expense. In contrast, an electric vehicle (EV) battery is worth tens of thousands, with a replacement cost akin to buying a new car—though it boasts a longer lifespan, reliably lasting eight to ten years. Maintenance-wise, conventional batteries are low-cost, requiring only occasional water top-ups and checks, but a failure to start means calling a tow truck. EV batteries, however, come with higher insurance premiums and require regular high-voltage system inspections to prevent overheating or explosions. Having driven an old gas car, I found it frustrating when an aging battery couldn’t even power the radio. Switching to an EV brought peace of mind, though maintenance bills can be daunting. Overall, the per-mile cost of an EV battery is lower, making it ideal for frequent drivers.
