As electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws) continue to reshape urban transport across Asia, Africa, and other developing regions, one of the most common technical questions from fleet operators and new buyers is: How many batteries does an e-rickshaw use? In this article, we’ll break down the standard battery configurations, how different types of e-rickshaws are powered, and how advanced solutions like those from QSD offer customized, long-lasting battery systems to meet diverse operational needs.

Standard Battery Configuration in E-Rickshaws

Most conventional e-rickshaws use a lead-acid battery pack composed of multiple 12V batteries wired in series. The most common configurations include:

• 48V systems: Comprising 4 x 12V batteries

• 60V systems: Comprising 5 x 12V batteries

• 72V systems (for more powerful or faster models): Comprising 6 x 12V batteries

Each battery typically has a capacity of 100Ah to 130Ah, depending on the vehicle’s performance requirements.

These batteries are usually installed in the vehicle’s base compartment and are designed to power the electric motor, lights, and basic onboard electronics.

Lithium-Ion vs Lead-Acid: The Battery Evolution

While lead-acid batteries dominate the lower-cost segment due to affordability, many manufacturers are now switching to lithium-ion solutions for better efficiency and longer life.

Lithium-ion battery advantages:

• Higher energy density

• Longer lifespan (3–5 years vs. 1–2 years for lead-acid)

• Faster charging

• Lower weight, improving overall vehicle range

QSD, as a leader in electric trike innovation, offers both battery types and can provide ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) battery solutions, meaning their systems are custom-built based on the client’s needs — including voltage, battery type, and charging method.

How Battery Count Affects Performance

The number of batteries in an e-rickshaw directly impacts:

• Motor power support (voltage must match motor specs)

• Driving range (more capacity = longer range)

• Charging time

• Vehicle weight and payload capacity

A standard 48V/100Ah battery system typically supports a range of 80–100 km per charge. For higher-load cargo rickshaws or longer-duty vehicles, 60V or 72V systems are preferred.

QSD’s Battery System Advantage

QSD (Qiangsheng Electric Vehicle) goes beyond standardization by offering modular battery systems that can be scaled or customized per client use case. This includes:

• Customized battery housing for easier maintenance

• Fast-swap battery designs (for fleet applications)

• Solar-compatible systems for off-grid or rural markets

• Temperature-resistant configurations for hot climates

QSD’s lithium and lead-acid options are tested across markets like India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya, and Latin America, providing local partners with flexibility and long-term savings.

Conclusion

So, how many batteries does an e-rickshaw use? Typically between 4 to 6 batteries, depending on whether it’s a 48V, 60V, or 72V system. But beyond just counting units, the type, quality, and design of the battery system matters just as much.

If you’re a distributor, fleet buyer, or local assembler looking for high-quality battery-powered rickshaws, QSD’s customizable battery solutions give you the edge in efficiency, adaptability, and cost control.