Lithium-ion battery - benefits and drawbacks of Li-ion technology
Everyone can probably describe the fact that electric scooters run with electricity. However, a closer examination of the batteries reveals significant differences. Let us tell you more about the various battery types and why unu relies on lithium-ion batteries.
Driving an unu e-scooter through the city is an environmentally friendly mode of transportation that reduces unnecessary traffic emissions (and is a lot of fun). In addition to the benefits of electromobility, we place a high value on the individual components of our e-scooters.
All rechargeable batteries operate on the same principle: chemical energy is converted into electrical energy (discharge) and vice versa (charging the rechargeable battery). However, the precise chemical components and their production determine how useful the energy source is.
What types of batteries are available on the e-scooter market?
Nowadays, lithium-ion batteries power the vast majority of electric vehicles. The nickel-metal hydride battery (NiMH battery) or nickel-cadmium technology batteries were the predecessors of Li-ion technology (NiCd batteries). NiCd batteries have been banned in the EU since 2017 due to the polluting and difficult-to-recycle heavy metal cadmiumine. Nickel-metal hydride batteries are still used but are being phased out of the electric vehicle market. The primary reason is the higher energy density of lithium-ion technology.
What are the benefits of using a lithium battery?
The long life associated with the use of cobalt and lithium is one of the most significant advantages of lithium-ion batteries. The charging and discharging cycle of the batteries can be repeated almost indefinitely, and the energy is available quickly (high voltage values), making this technology very appealing for e-vehicles.
Because of the high energy density, the batteries can store and release more energy while weighing less. Furthermore, the batteries do not discharge as quickly as other battery models (for example, if the scooter is not used for an extended period of time).
Increased e-scooter life expectancy due to lithium-ion batteries?
Compared to previous standard batteries, lithium-ion batteries maintain their performance over a longer period and can release energy more quickly. As an unu driver, you can also increase the life of your battery by following a few simple guidelines:
- Never charge your battery completely - a battery status of around 80% is easier on the battery than a full charge.
- The same is true for discharging: avoid completely draining your battery.
- Take note of our winter storage tips for your unu to protect your batteries.
- Extreme temperatures should not be allowed to reach your scooter battery. Temperatures between -10°C and +45°C are acceptable.
Honestly, how much power does a lithium battery contain?
Of course, lithium-ion batteries do not last indefinitely. Our unu Scooter models' lithium-ion batteries have a service life of 7-10 years (unu Scooter Move: 1.81 kWh Lithium Ion (LG); unu Scooter Pro: 1.78 kWh Lithium Ion (LG)) and can be recharged up to 1,000 times (1,000 complete charge cycles on average).
As you can drive up to 50 km on a single battery charge, you have a range of up to 50,000 km until the performance of your battery gradually degrades. In most cases, the battery outlasts the vehicle - this is true for both electric cars and electric mopeds. You can drive around the world with your unu without incident until the battery performance noticeably degrades.
Isn't it all good for the environment?
Let's face it: lithium-ion batteries are fraught with controversy. Even though this type of rechargeable battery currently dominates the market, battery production is fraught with difficulties. Lithium mining is only possible in specific and particularly dry, desert-like regions of the world, and it consumes a large amount of water. In some areas, careless resource use results in water shortages and negative effects on the ecosystem. To improve the environmental balance of our batteries, we work with companies such as GRS Akkus, which recycles used batteries for us or uses them as energy storage for regenerative energy systems.
Alternatives to lithium-ion batteries that are more environmentally friendly are already being developed by researchers. There have been recent advances in the research of alternative battery components. The future will show how powerful and environmentally friendly this type of battery will eventually be.