Our movements are welcoming changes, and Electric Vehicles (EVs) are great participants in bringing that change. These vehicles are of no use without a suitable battery. A battery does all the heavy lifting. So, knowing the different types of batteries used in electric vehicles can help you a lot if you are about to indulge in this new way of movement. 

Read on to know the basics about the different electric vehicle battery types.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

You will find that the majority of contemporary electric vehicles use these batteries. Why? They bear strong energy and have a long lifespan. They are very important for most contemporary EVs. Their high energy density and lightweight features make them perfect for various vehicles (two-wheelers batteries and three-wheelers batteries).

Let us know the subtypes of Li-ion batteries:

Battery Subtype	Pros	Cons	Used In
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)	Safe, durable, budget-friendly	Lower energy density	City EVs, Tesla Model 3 RWD, BYD vehicles
Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC)	High energy, works well in cold	Expensive, uses cobalt	Kia EV6, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Chevy Bolt
Nickel Cobalt Aluminum (NCA)	Maximum energy density	Costly, needs careful thermal management	Tesla Model S/X, Lucid Air

Emerging EV Battery Technologies

Developments are giving rise to some better EV battery options. These new types of batteries can make future cars lighter and faster-charging

Solid-State Batteries

• Higher energy, faster charge, improved safety
• Costly and still in development

Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S)

• Super lightweight, inexpensive materials
• Short lifespan and stability challenges

Sodium-Ion Batteries

• Uses abundant sodium, low cost
• Lower energy density, potential for budget EVs

These are EV battery types we’ll see more of in the late 2020s.

Legacy & Hybrid Batteries

Not every EV runs on lithium. Some hybrids and older models still use these:

• Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) – Found in early Toyota Prius models. Safe but heavy, lower energy.
• Lead-Acid Batteries – Mostly for auxiliary systems, like lights and horns. Cheap but heavy.

EV Battery Cell Formats

Beyond chemistry, cell shape matters. EV battery packs come in different formats:

Format	Description	Examples
Cylindrical	Round, great thermal management	Tesla, Rivian
Prismatic	Rectangular, space-efficient	GM, Ford
Pouch	Flat, compact, sensitive to swelling	Hyundai, some Chinese EVs

Note: People may use one or a combination of these in their EV’s battery pack.

EV Battery Types: Comparison

Battery Type	Energy Density	Safety	Cost	Status
LFP	Medium	High	Low	Commercial
NMC	High	Medium	High	Commercial
NCA	Very High	Medium	High	Commercial
Solid-State	Very High	High	High	Development
Li-S	Very High	Medium	Low	R&D
Sodium-Ion	Low	High	Low	Emerging
NiMH	Low	High	Medium	Legacy

The Main Factors Affecting EV Battery Performance

Knowing EV battery types is one thing. Understanding what affects their real-world performance is another.

• Charge/Discharge Cycles: Most Li-ion batteries last 1,000–2,000 full cycles; exceeding this reduces range.
• Temperature: Heat reduces lifespan, while cold lowers instantaneous output.
• Depth of Discharge (DoD): Using 80% of battery capacity repeatedly is safer than draining 100%.
• Charging Speed: Fast chargers are convenient but generate heat; managing heat is crucial for battery health.

By considering these factors, users can pick the right chemistry and size for their EV.

Choosing the Right EV Battery for Your Vehicle

Not all EVs need the same battery. Here is a simplified way:

• City commuter e-scooter or rickshaw: LFP or small Li-ion packs, focus on affordability and safety.
• High-performance sedan: NCA or NMC Li-ion, prioritise range and power.
• Budget cargo EVs: Tubular lead-acid batteries, focus on upfront cost.
• Emerging tech fans: Keep an eye on solid-state and Li-S for future upgrades.

Livguard EV Battery Offerings

Livguard provides a range of electric vehicle battery types catering to different needs—from small three-wheelers to light commercial EVs. Here’s a snapshot:

1. Lithium-Ion – 3-Wheeler Traction Packs

High energy density, 90% usable DoD, 18-month warranty.

Model	Energy	Ah @ V	Use Case	Notes
LGL0ERLIXC1	3.0 kWh	60 Ah	Cargo & passenger e-rickshaws	Fast-charge ready, BMS included
LGL0GEMLiX60	3.0 kWh	60 Ah	L5-N three-wheelers	90% DoD for longer daily range

2. Lead-Acid – Cost-Effective Backup

Tubular & flat-plate variants, 6–15 month warranty.

Model	Ah @ 12 V	Tech	Warranty
E-Shakti ER-1500	100ah	Flat plate	6 mo
E-Shakti ER TU-1800	120ah	Tubular	9 mo
E-Shakti ER TU-2500	140ah	Tubular	15 mo

3. Ultra-Small Li-ion – Accessories & Start Packs

Drop-in 12 V lithium, <1 kWh.

Model	Ah @ 12 V	Energy	Warranty
Autoz LGM FO AR32	32	0.38 kWh	18 mo

Livguard’s approach: Choose Li-ion for long-term cost efficiency, tubular lead-acid for budget-friendly options, and small Li-ion packs for starter or accessory purposes.

Chemistry Snapshot

Chemistry	Livguard Series	kWh Range	Main Benefit
Li-ion	LGL0LiX	2-3 kWh	Light, fast charge, long cycle life
Lead-acid	E-Shakti / Autoz	1-2 kWh	Low upfront cost, service network
Small Li-ion	Autoz AR32	<0.5 kWh	Maintenance-free starter pack

Conclusion

So, we now know that you can not use the same EV batteries everywhere. Every battery type is specific. When you understand the types of batteries used in electric vehicles, the choice becomes easier. Their strengths and weaknesses decide their real-world applications.

• Li-ion are ideal for high-performance, long-range EVs
• Lead-acids are a budget option for light vehicles or backup
• Emerging tech will bring in solid-state, Li-S, or sodium-ion for next-gen EVs

Livguard comes with an impressive range of different EV batteries for every electric vehicle type. Choosing the right EV battery type means safer rides and longer range