Lithium-ion Batteries
Now standard in all our bikes - Powered by Panasonic®
The rechargeable lithium battery is the most talked-about battery chemistry in this sector today. One of the greatest advantages of the lithium battery is its high energy density. Equally exciting is the fact that once charged, the lithium battery can hold its energy for up to 10 years. However, the discharge current rate is higher than Li-ion Polymer batteries with like for like batteries, providing more current on demand when required. All our Panasonic batteries are protected for over and under voltage with the incorporation of an integrated battery management system (BMS) in the battery housing, making them one of the safest batteries in the world.
The cycle count of a Lithium ion battery is about 500 to 600 and directly correlates to the depth of discharge. Charge time is 4 - 6 hours, dependant on ambient temperature and depth of discharge
The Li-ion battery is ultra light and weighs less than half its equivalent NiMh battery and is 4 times lighter than its Sealed Lead Acid counterpart.
The rechargeable lithium ion battery costs no more than equivalent NiMh batteries now, although they are still more expensive to buy compared to its equivalent SLA batteries and will probably continue to cost more than its rivals. However, the lifetime cost of this new battery technology is very low.
On earlier versions of rechargeable lithium ion batteries, stability was a major concern. This issue has now been solved by the quality battery manufacturers, through the use of solid lithium polymer. The new UM Li-ion battery only uses the very best cells made by Panasonic®. Due to the more complex production techniques and higher raw material costs required to manufacture this battery type, it will attract a premium price above conventional batteries for the foreseeable future.
Urban Mover™ - Battery Comparison Chart
| Lead Acid | Silicon | Ni-Cad | NiMh | Li-ion | Li-Pol | Li-Pho | |
| Safety | Good | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Excellent | Superb |
| Nominal voltage | 2 | 2 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 3.4 | 3.6 | 3.2 |
| Wh/Kg Energy density (gravimetric) | 35 | 50 | 41 | 80 | 120 | 160 -180 | 110 |
| Volumetric energy density | 80 | 130 | 120 | 200 | 280 | >320 | >240 |
| Cycle life | 200 | 400 | 250 | 400-500 | 400-500 | >1000 | >2000 |
| Memory effect | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Operational temperature (C) | -15° to +50° | -50° to +70° | -20° to +50° | -20° to +60° | -20° to +60° | -20° to +60° | -25° to +60° |
| Flexible form factor | No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Self discharge (% per month) | <0 | <0 | <10 | <20 | <5 | <5 | <5 |
| Environmental impact | High | Low | High | Medium | Mid-Low | Low | Low |
| Initial purchase cost | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium | Mid-High | High | High |
| Lifetime cost (based on range and cycle life) | High | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low | Very Low | Very Low |