The popularity of electric vehicles is now increasing rapidly in India. Earlier, due to lack of information, people used to only ask how much distance can an electric scooter cover? Now it is also asked that how long will this battery last? The specialty of an electric vehicle is that its power lies not in its engine but in the battery. If we talk about the Indian market, Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) are used here. Now most of the companies are giving priority to LFP battery technology.
One of these is Suzuki Motorcycle India, which has used LFP battery in its first electric scooter Suzuki e-ACCESS. This technology is a ‘game-changer’ for electric scooters. Know its specialty…
Features of LFP battery-
1. Long life and durable
LFP batteries give you twice to three times longer life. If understood in simple language, these batteries have the power to maintain their capacity even after being charged and discharged thousands of times. At the same time, performance of NMC batteries often starts declining after some time.
2. Safe and reliable choice High heat resistance
There is a risk of overheating and fire with batteries. LFP batteries reduce this to a great extent. Their thermal stability is excellent, due to which the scooter remains safe even on long journeys or in hot weather.
3. Strong and reliable performance
However LFP batteries are slightly heavier than NMC and may offer less initial range. Their specialty is to build their capacity for a long time. Vehicles like Suzuki e-ACCESS are special because their range does not decrease with time even after charging once.
The LFP battery is a little heavier and has less energy than the NMC, but it lasts longer and performs better. Therefore, it is best for riders who want strong durability rather than great range.
LFP vs NMC Comparison of LFP and NMC: Performance Difference
NMC batteries initially offer more range, but their capacity decreases quickly. The LFP battery, on the other hand, has a slightly slower start time, but continues to perform consistently.
● NMC (red dotted line) – initially fast but range decreases over time.
● LFP (blue line) – slightly low initially but remains stable over a long period of time.
Comparison of LFP and NMC: Performance difference
Long Battery Life Simulation
(X-axis: battery life | Y-axis: battery capacity retention)
This graph compares how much battery capacity drops over time between LFP and NMC batteries.
The dark blue line, which represents the LFP battery (used in Suzuki e-ACCESS), shows a slower and more steady decline in capacity over a longer period or multiple charging cycles. In contrast, the dotted line for NMC batteries (conventional) shows a steeper decline, indicating that it loses its capacity more rapidly as the number of charging cycles increases.
What does this mean for the customer? With LFP, the battery is expected to last twice the useful life and twice the number of charging cycles compared to NMC batteries. This means fewer replacements, lower long-term costs, and more peace of mind for the rider.
Why a Long-Life Battery Really Matters
Battery replacement is the most expensive part of EV maintenance, so long-term range is important. NMC batteries reduce range due to rapid degradation. However, LFP batteries (like the one in Suzuki e-ACCESS) have much higher Range Retention Power. The direct benefit of this is that the rider gets the same range over the years, which not only avoids the cost of battery replacement but also prolongs the overall life of the scooter.
Long Term Range Simulation:
(X-axis: driving distance | Y-axis: range per charge)
This graph shows how NMC and LFP batteries perform over the long term. The red dotted line (NMC) may give more range initially, but as you drive more, its range reduces rapidly. On the other hand, the Suzuki e-ACCESS’s LFP battery (dark blue line) starts with a slightly lower range and maintains its range more strongly and consistently over time.
In simple words: NMC batteries may give you a little more range initially, but after about $1.5$ years of daily use (about $80 \text{ km}/\text{day}$), the LFP battery’s range drops to the NMC level. After this, LFP maintains its range more strongly. So, don’t just go to the beginner range; Slow Capacity Degradation of LFP batteries ensures you can enjoy your full range for years to come.
Suzuki e-ACCESS battery and range
Suzuki e-ACCESS has a 3.1 kWh LFP battery, which lasts for about 95 km on a single charge. On an average a person in India travels about 30 km daily. Once charged the scooter can last for three days. This is a convenient option for daily users.
Real-World Usage: Focus on practicality, not just top-of-the-line range
Range is an important aspect of comparison, but it is not the only one. Given that most daily commutes in India are short and frequent, some manufacturers are focusing on improving actual performance rather than just maximum range. Suzuki has adopted the same strategy with e-ACCESS:
• It gives a practical range of 95 km on 3.1 kWh battery.
• According to statistics, the average Indian rider rides around 30 km daily, which means most people can ride the scooter for three days on a single charge. This thinking keeps the scooter light and easy to ride, and practicality is also maintained.
Safety and Strength Testing
LFP batteries are durable but also safe. The battery of Suzuki e-ACCESS is housed in a strong aluminum casing. Due to its case, the battery remains completely safe even after falling, vibration and heat. Every battery must first go through several levels of testing
Designed for reliability and durability
Along with the chemical composition of the battery, its safety and thorough testing are also of utmost importance. In the Suzuki e-ACCESS scooter, the battery is rigidly integrated directly into the frame and protected in a powerful aluminum case. This system protects the battery from physical damage and reduces the risk of accidents like fire. Furthermore, each battery of e-ACCESS is put through rigorous tests such as drop, extreme heat-cold, vibration, water immersion, crush and puncture, to ensure that they are able to withstand any real riding condition.
last words
LFP battery technology is a big change for electric two-wheelers. It is safe, durable and eco-friendly. Brands like Suzuki are adopting it. This is proof that India’s EV market is now moving towards more long-lasting and smart battery technology. In the times to come, scooters with LFP batteries could become a symbol of trust and stability on Indian roads.
