With the increasing popularity of electric four-wheel vehicles (such as electric cars, low-speed electric vehicles, and golf carts), the battery, as the core component, directly affects the vehicle's performance, range, and lifespan. Choosing the right battery, mastering proper maintenance techniques, and understanding common issues and solutions are crucial for vehicle owners. This article will provide a detailed analysis of battery selection, daily maintenance, and common problems to help users extend battery life and enhance their overall experience.

1. Selecting the Right Battery for Four-Wheel Vehicles

Different types of four-wheel vehicles have varying battery requirements. Choosing the right battery involves considering battery type, capacity, brand, and compatibility.

1. Battery Types

The most common batteries for four-wheel vehicles on the market include:

• Lead-Acid Batteries (e.g., AGM, Gel Batteries)

  • Advantages: Low cost, mature technology, easy maintenance.

  • Disadvantages: Heavy, low energy density, shorter cycle life (~300-500 cycles).

  • Suitable for: Low-speed electric vehicles, golf carts, mobility scooters.

• Lithium Batteries (e.g., LiFePO₄, NMC Batteries)

  • Advantages: High energy density, lightweight, long cycle life (1,000-2,000 cycles), fast charging.

  • Disadvantages: Higher cost, requires strict charging management.

  • Suitable for: High-end electric vehicles, performance-oriented four-wheel EVs.

• Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries

  • Advantages: High safety, resistant to overcharging/over-discharging.

  • Disadvantages: Lower energy density, gradually being replaced by lithium batteries.

Selection Tips:

• If budget is limited and range requirements are modest, lead-acid batteries are a viable option.

• For longer range and lighter weight, lithium batteries (especially LiFePO₄) are recommended due to their superior safety.

2. Battery Capacity (Ah) and Voltage (V)

• Capacity determines range—higher capacity means longer range but also higher cost and weight.

• Voltage must match the vehicle's motor system (common options: 12V, 24V, 48V, 72V, etc.).

Examples:

• Low-speed EVs typically use 48V 60Ah lead-acid batteries, offering ~30-50 miles of range.

• Electric cars use battery packs with voltages exceeding 300V and capacities ranging from 30kWh to 100kWh.

3. Brand and Quality

Opting for reputable brands (e.g., CATL, BYD, Tianneng, OKMO) ensures battery stability and reliable after-sales service, avoiding safety risks from low-quality products.

2. Battery Maintenance for Four-Wheel Vehicles

Proper maintenance significantly extends battery life. Key practices include:

1. Charging Habits

• Avoid deep discharge: For lead-acid batteries, recharge when remaining capacity is 20%-30%; for lithium batteries, avoid dropping below 10%.

• Avoid overcharging: Disconnect the charger once fully charged to prevent damage.

• Use compatible chargers: Lead-acid and lithium batteries require different chargers—never mix them.

2. Storage and Environmental Conditions

• Long-term storage: Maintain charge at 50%-70% and recharge every 1-2 months.

• Avoid extreme temperatures: High temperatures accelerate aging, while low temperatures (below 0°C) reduce lithium battery efficiency.

3. Regular Inspections

• Lead-acid batteries: Check electrolyte levels (top up with distilled water if needed) and clean terminal corrosion.

• Lithium batteries: Monitor the Battery Management System (BMS) to prevent cell imbalance.

4. Driving Habits

• Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking—smooth driving reduces battery strain.

• Minimize overloading, as extra weight increases power consumption.

3. Common Battery Issues and Solutions

1. Significant Range Reduction

• Possible causes:

  • Battery aging (lead-acid: 2-3 years; lithium: 5-8 years).

  • Faulty battery cell (in lithium battery packs).

  • Charger malfunction leading to incomplete charging.

• Solutions:

  • Check battery health and replace if necessary.

  • Perform cell balancing or replace damaged cells (for lithium batteries).

2. Battery Fails to Charge

• Possible causes:

  • Faulty charger.

  • Sulfation (lead-acid batteries left uncharged for long periods).

  • BMS protection (due to over-discharge or overheating in lithium batteries).

• Solutions:

  • Replace the charger or attempt a recovery charge (pulse repair for lead-acid).

  • For lithium batteries, use professional equipment to reset the BMS.

3. Battery Swelling or Leakage

• Possible causes:

  • Overcharging or high temperatures causing lead-acid batteries to expand.

  • Internal short circuit in lithium batteries.

• Solutions:

  • Stop using immediately—swollen batteries pose explosion risks and require professional disposal.

4. Sudden Power Loss

• Possible causes:

  • Loose wiring connections.

  • BMS activation (due to overvoltage or undervoltage in lithium batteries).

• Solutions:

  • Check and tighten wiring.

  • Use diagnostic tools to check BMS error codes.

The performance and lifespan of four-wheel vehicle batteries depend heavily on proper selection and maintenance. While lead-acid batteries are cost-effective, they have a shorter lifespan, whereas lithium batteries offer superior performance at a higher price. Regardless of battery type, following correct charging and maintenance practices—avoiding overcharging, deep discharge, and extreme temperatures—is essential. If issues arise, timely troubleshooting and professional repairs can prevent further damage. By adopting scientific management and maintenance, users can maximize battery efficiency and ensure long-term, reliable operation of their four-wheel vehicles.