In a surprising policy shift, China is urging citizens to trade in their lithium-ion electric bikes for models powered by sealed lead-acid batteries (SLAs). While e-bikes are a key mode of transportation in urban China, safety concerns over lithium-ion batteries have led the government to promote the use of AGM batteries, despite their lower energy density and lifespan. The move includes subsidies to encourage exchanges and aims to phase out potentially hazardous older models. Companies like Yadea are also exploring safer alternative battery technologies, such as sodium-ion.
