BYD switches to lithium-ion batteries for PHEV’s starter batteries

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- BYD has entirely replaced the lead-acid batteries with the lithium-ion ones for starter batteries of its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models, in a bid to technically energize the sustainable development of low-carbon transportation, the company said in a press release.

Although lead-acid batteries have been universally used to start automotive engines, their disadvantages are quite evident. Due to the strong self-discharge characteristic of the lead-acid battery, a vehicle should been given a jump start or even take a new starter battery if it is idled for a long time. In some difficult situations, the car owner has to summon rescue trailers.

More importantly, the short lifetime (around 2 to 3 years) and plentiful pollutants generated during the production and dumping of lead-acid batteries go against the current appeal for environmental-friendly and low-carbon society.

Besides, the high dimension and weight of lead-acid batteries also work against saving energy consumption for cars.

Due to the aforesaid reasons, BYD has been vigorously promoting the application of lead-free batteries. With higher energy density and the ability to detect small volume of electricity, lithium-ion batteries have been used across BYD’s entire PHEV lineup as the replacement of the lead-acid starter.

The automaker also said the lithium-ion batteries have lifespan comparable to vehicles, and are cleaner regarding the production and recycling processes. Moreover, they can help save more fuel as they are smaller and lighter than the lead-acid ones.