Rickshaws are some of the most convenient travel options in urban India. In fact, a lot of foreigners come from around the world, with a bucket list of riding in an Indian rickshaw. For the rickshaw driver, his rickshaw is his livelihood, and knowingly or unknowingly, it has become an inseparable part of Indian culture. However, with time passing by, electric vehicles have gained quite a lot of popularity, and e-rickshaws are one of them.
But did you know that e-rickshaws use different kinds of rickshaw batteries? And their performance depends on various metrics? In this article, we’re diving deep into the types of batteries used in e-rickshaws and the various metrics used to determine the best one. With the help of this guide, the process of picking the right battery will be as easy as eating a cake.
What is an E-Rickshaw?
Let’s begin by understanding what E-rickshaws are and why they are becoming so common. Electric rickshaws or e-rickshaws are battery-powered electric vehicles that are mostly used to move people around cities and places close to cities. People think of them as a cleaner alternative to regular auto-rickshaws because they don’t cause any pollution and are much quieter than their non-electric counterparts.
The market for electric rickshaws has grown by leaps and bounds, thanks to government incentives that encourage electric transportation and customers becoming more eco-conscious. So, what are the different types of rickshaw batteries?
Types of Batteries Used in E-rickshaws
Choosing the right battery for your e-rickshaw is important for its long-lasting performance and making the most of it in the long run. There are three main types of rickshaw batteries used by e-rickshaws. They are:
1. Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are the most budget-friendly and easily available battery out of all their counterparts, and they are some of the most popular rickshaw battery choices among e-rickshaw drivers due to their low costs. But, they do come with the requirement of regular maintenance and have a shorter lifespan than their counterparts.
2. Lithium-Ion Batteries
From our phones to e-vehicles, lithium-ion batteries are a favourite for many. And why not? They’re lightweight, charge quickly, and last much longer. The only drawback is that they’re a bit more expensive at the start, but due to the long lifespan, you end up replacing the rickshaw battery less and spending less in the long run.
3. NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride)
This one is not that common and is very rarely used. They’re lower in capacity and get discharged pretty quickly, and just not that efficient compared to their other counterparts, while also being higher in cost, which is why they’re the least favourite rickshaw battery option for rickshaw drivers.
Before we decide which one of them is the best, we first need to understand the metrics on which you should judge a battery; only then can we pick a winner.
Performance Metrics for Batteries
The rickshaw battery choice shouldn’t be made on a whim; rather, certain metrics should decide it for us. Five such metrics decide how a battery performs. They are:
Battery Capacity
You want your rickshaw battery to last long, right? But how do you know which battery will last long? Even among lithium-ion batteries, there are different runtimes. The way to determine how long the battery will last is to simply look at the amp-hour ratings, the higher the number, the longer the battery will last before recharge.
Charging Time
What do you do if the battery runs out in the middle of the road? You reach the nearest charging station only to realise it will take hours for your battery to recharge. This is extremely non-ideal, and a shorter charging time is ideal.
Weight
The heavier the battery, the more difficult it is to carry, and it will slow your vehicle down even more. To avoid that, choose a lightweight rickshaw battery.
Durability
A battery should be able to withstand temperature changes and jerking. We all know how harsh Indian weather and roads are, so a durable battery is non-negotiable.
Voltage
Higher voltage means your battery will run more efficiently and can go even faster, helping you make the most out of your commute.
So, which of the three batteries stands on the parameters? The table below explains it perfectly.
| Metric | Lead-Acid Battery | Lithium-Ion Battery | NiMH Battery | Best Performer |
| Battery Capacity | Medium – decent but drains quicker | High – long-lasting per charge | Low – discharges quickly | Lithium-Ion |
| Charging Time | Long – slow to recharge | Short – fast charging | Moderate – better than lead-acid | Lithium-Ion |
| Weight | Heavy – adds load to the rickshaw | Light – very portable | Moderate – not as light as lithium | Lithium-Ion |
| Durability | Medium – needs regular care | High, tough, and low maintenance | Medium – less robust | Lithium-Ion |
| Voltage | Medium – standard output | Highly efficient performance | Medium – average voltage | Lithium-Ion |
Conclusion
While each battery has its pros and cons, the Lithium-Ion battery is one of the best rickshaw batteries there is. Its ability to recharge fast, last longer, and be lightweight and durable makes it the perfect choice for Indian Roads.
