Research on the Application of Lithium Battery Packs in Low-speed Electric Vehicles

Market growth and policy-driven

In recent years, the market for low-speed electric vehicles has grown rapidly, and the penetration rate of lithium battery packs has significantly increased. Policy-driven is one of the core factors. For instance, the new national standard's requirement to phase out lead-acid batteries that exceed standards has prompted low-speed electric vehicles to gradually shift towards lithium batteries. Data from 2025 shows that the number of electric two-wheelers in China has exceeded 425 million, with an annual sales volume of 52 million. Among them, the penetration rate of lithium batteries has risen from 60% in 2023 to 70%. The market for electric tricycles is also growing rapidly. By 2025, the scale of lithium battery support is expected to exceed 33 billion yuan, with the demand from logistics and freight scenarios accounting for more than 60%.

2. Technological breakthroughs and cost optimization

The application of lithium battery packs in low-speed electric vehicles benefits from technological breakthroughs and cost optimization. The energy density has been increased to over 250Wh/kg, enabling the lithium battery pack to store more electrical energy in the same volume and meeting the demands of low-speed electric vehicles for range and lightweight. Meanwhile, the cost of lithium battery packs is gradually approaching that of lead-acid batteries. For instance, BYD has launched a lithium iron phosphate battery suitable for two-wheelers and three-wheelers. Its cost is close to that of lead-acid batteries, and it supports 15-minute fast charging with a cycle life of up to 8 years.

3. Security and Compatibility

The application of lithium battery packs in low-speed electric vehicles poses higher requirements for safety and compatibility. Lithium battery packs typically use materials such as lithium iron phosphate, which have good thermal stability and are less likely to experience thermal runaway in high-temperature environments. In addition, the lithium battery pack needs to be compatible with the existing systems of low-speed electric vehicles, including the integration of the battery management system (BMS), to ensure the safety and performance of the battery.

4. Market Competition and Industrial chain integration

The application of lithium battery packs in the low-speed electric vehicle market has promoted the integration and competition of the industrial chain. Large enterprises, by collaborating with low-speed electric vehicle brands, have established a safety management system from battery cells to the cloud, compelling the upgrading of industry standards. For instance, BYD has collaborated with brands such as Limar and Taileing to develop the "vehicle and battery life together" system, which has increased the penetration rate of lithium battery packs in low-speed electric vehicles.

5. User Demands and Market Segmentation

The high demands of low-speed electric vehicle users for range, safety and cost have driven the application of lithium battery packs. The high energy density and long life characteristics of lithium battery packs meet users' demands for range, while their fast charging capability enhances the user experience. However, the initial purchase cost of lithium battery packs is relatively high, which to some extent limits their popularity in some price-sensitive markets.

6. Future Trends and Challenges

In the future, the application of lithium battery packs in low-speed electric vehicles will continue to grow, but it also faces some challenges. With the advancement of technology, the cost of lithium battery packs is expected to further decrease, while their energy density and safety will continue to improve. However, the regionalized development pattern of the low-speed electric vehicle market may lead to the emergence of local protectionism and affect the popularization of lithium battery packs. In addition, the issue of recycling and reusing lithium battery packs also needs to be addressed to reduce the impact on the environment