Although lithium batteries offer the advantages of longer life and longer range, why do the majority of electric vehicles on the market still opt for lead-acid batteries? The underlying reasons merit in-depth exploration.

In the field of electric vehicle batteries, lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries have long coexisted as major players. Despite lithium batteries being lauded for their longer lifespan and superior range, market data reveals that over 70% of electric vehicles still come equipped with lead-acid batteries as standard. This choice is no accident—lead-acid batteries firmly dominate the market thanks to four core advantages.

I. The King of Affordability: Cost-Effective & Practical

Lead-acid batteries, leveraging their inherent cost advantage, are the "economical choice" for consumers. From raw materials to production processes, the manufacturing barriers for lead-acid batteries are low, resulting in a per-unit price just one-third that of lithium batteries. More notably, its well-established recycling system gives used batteries a residual value of around 40%. The trade-in model significantly reduces replacement costs for users. This "maximum value for money" characteristic perfectly aligns with the public's demand for economical and practical transportation.

II. A Century-Proven Legacy of Safety

Having evolved through over 130 years of technological iterations, lead-acid batteries have long established a reputation for stable and reliable safety. Unlike lithium batteries, which frequently suffer thermal runaway incidents due to substandard products, lead-acid batteries feature a simple structure and strong thermal stability, posing minimal explosion risk even under extreme conditions. For safety-conscious consumers, this tangible safety assurance is far more appealing than mere performance advantages on paper.

III. Seamless Convenience in a Mature Ecosystem

The mature ecosystem built around lead-acid batteries delivers end-to-end convenience for users. Dealers found everywhere offer efficient "buy-and-install-on-the-spot" service. With low technical barriers for maintenance, they can quickly resolve battery issues in-store. The substantial profit margins from trade-in programs further incentivize retailers to actively promote them, creating a virtuous cycle of "purchase – maintenance – recycling." In contrast, lithium batteries' reliance on specialized equipment for after-sales service pales in convenience.

IV. Performance Breakthroughs Through Innovation

Lead-acid batteries have never ceased evolving. Through the application of new materials like graphene, internal resistance has been reduced by 30%, corrosion resistance significantly improved, and cold-weather range performance has achieved a qualitative leap. Today's lead-acid batteries, while slightly lagging in energy density, are nearly on par with lithium batteries in core metrics like durability and stability, truly achieving "premium performance at an accessible price."

The market's choice underscores the unique value of lead-acid batteries—they represent not only the optimal balance between cost and performance but also a reliable fusion of technology and safety. From an industrial product a century ago to an essential standard for daily life today, lead-acid batteries continue to write their own market legend through relentless innovation and consumer-friendly service.