In the official live broadcast room of Yadi Electric Bicycle, the anchor said, "Don't ask how big the motor is. If you ask, it is 400W, but in reality, it is made a bit larger and runs faster."
On February 23rd, in Nanjing, Jiangsu, a residential building fire caused by a fire in the parking area for electric bicycles on the elevated floor of a building claimed 15 lives. In 2019, a fire broke out in the same community due to electric bicycle charging. According to a report from Beijing Fire Protection on February 5th, there were 33 fires involving electric bicycles and electric tricycles in Beijing in January this year, including 28 involving electric bicycles and 5 involving electric tricycles.
Behind the fire, electric bicycles are facing safety concerns. What is causing them to "accidentally" frequently, and how should we prevent them from "not igniting"?
From late February to early March, reporters from New Beijing News and Shell Finance rushed to Shandong and Tianjin, trying to find pain points in the industry between the market and factories and provide answers.
"Reporting small businesses and producing large ones" illegally obtaining "legal identity" by illegally obtaining certificates for vehicles exceeding the standard
On the evening of March 2nd, the hustle and bustle of the Langyawang Road bicycle market in Linyi, Shandong Province had not yet dissipated, and customers in groups of three strolled through different electric bicycle stores. In the brightly lit area deep inside the "Little Bird Electric Bicycle" store, a host is explaining to the electric bicycles inside the store.
"National standard cars do not require a driver's license or a driving license. If you need to climb a hill and choose link 1, this is a 2000W (watt) electric motor that can reach a speed of 80 kilometers per hour when landing..." The female anchor who was broadcasting greeted the reporter and asked the reporter to take a look first. Unlike many online live broadcasts that require assistants to answer conversations on the side, this live broadcast room is located within the store and can be completed by one person on their mobile phone.
The national standard for electric bicycles stipulates that the total weight of electric bicycles shall not exceed 55kg; The nominal voltage of the battery shall not exceed 48V; The rated continuous output power of the motor should be less than or equal to 400 W.
After learning about the need to purchase a batch of delivery vehicles, a shop assistant who is taking care of electric bicycles said that there are 2000W, 1500W, and 1200W high-power electric vehicles for sale. "The ones being broadcasted use a 2000W motor, a 72V battery, and a speed of up to 80 kilometers per hour." At the same time, she also said that if they are not used too frequently, they can use the 1200W motor model, as large motors consume a lot of electricity. If you want to do delivery, you must choose lithium batteries, Strong and long-lasting, it is recommended to only buy a frame as large batteries can be rented from all over the country.
When the reporter expressed concerns about license plate registration, the shop assistant said that the certificate of conformity can only be marked as 350, "to meet the requirements of national standards, not elevation. If the true power is marked, it cannot be sold as an electric vehicle, and it is an electric motorcycle.".
In no time, the anchor went down and explained to the reporter. She said that she has 600000 fans on Kwai, and every time it is broadcast, it is very popular. Therefore, selling through live broadcast has become the main sales method of the store, and their main products are high-power electric bicycles. In order to provide consumers with a choice, their store represented three brands: Zhimai, Haochen, and Ha Ling.
The anchor showcased an electric bicycle that had just been livestreamed. Not only can a set of batteries be placed at the foot pedal, but a set of batteries can also be placed under the seat. The battery used in the live broadcast is the rented "Huatai Lithium Battery" produced locally in Linyi. The reporter noticed that the model of this battery is 60V (volt) 55Ah (ampere hour), with the words "ultra long lifespan and high endurance" written on it. It is clearly marked as prohibiting indoor charging, but there is no warning prohibiting its use on electric bicycles.
According to investigations conducted in multiple stores in Linyi, Shandong, it was found that electric vehicles that exceed the standard are not uncommon, and the reason why electric vehicles that exceed the standard can obtain product certificates is precisely because they report to small businesses and produce large ones. That is to say, the manufacturer will produce an electric bike that meets the new national standard for inspection. After obtaining the product qualification certificate, they will produce a high-power, high-voltage, and overweight electric bike to apply the previous qualification certificate. This has also become the key to why many high-power electric bicycles can obtain certification and even easily register. At the same time, more than ten professional lithium battery rental institutions have been squeezed into the market, with branches scattered throughout. This provides conditions for the use of electric bicycles that exceed the standard.
The merchant showed reporters that their electric vehicle can hold two large batteries.
The reporter found that if the low price competition of electric bicycles reduces product quality and increases the risk of fire, then the practice of "reporting small businesses to produce large ones" and illegally obtaining national qualification certificates have led to a group of high-power, high-voltage, and high-energy electric bicycles escaping motorcycle supervision, and traveling at high loads and speeds through the streets and alleys. They not only face the lack of professional after-sales maintenance, but are also prone to problems such as battery overload, overuse, incorrect use of vehicle batteries, and traffic accidents. In addition, due to the fact that lithium batteries, especially ternary lithium batteries, are more prone to fire accidents compared to other types of batteries, the safety risk of electric vehicles exceeding the standard seems to have been predetermined at the moment they enter the market.
Large capacity batteries contribute to the proliferation of excessive electric bicycles
When we ride electric bicycles on the street, we occasionally encounter delivery drivers speeding past us.
Why is their car so powerful?
Part of the support behind this comes from high-voltage batteries. A young man named Ma Baobao (pseudonym), who has been delivering takeout in Beijing for many years, said that many of the larger electric bicycle motors that exceed the standard have different voltage switching functions of 48V, 60V, and 72V. Simply replace different plugs in the online box to complete the switching, and even lift the speed limit is very simple. Some can be operated through the power switch and accelerator, while others need to go to a repair shop and connect professional storage tools to complete the switching.
It is precisely with the support of excessive batteries that electric vehicles that they have achieved the "last mile" and gained the favor of specific users. And such excessive batteries are mostly from the battery exchange point. Ma Baobao (pseudonym) told reporters that a year ago, Beijing's battery exchange outlets could still exchange for 60V lithium batteries, but later, under the crackdown of various parties, it was difficult to find such high-voltage batteries. In other cities, high-voltage swappable batteries are still widely present in the market.
Due to its high energy density, a set of 60V55A lithium batteries can weigh up to 55 kilograms using lead-acid batteries, while lithium iron phosphate requires approximately 45 kilograms and ternary lithium only requires about 30 kilograms. So, equipped with lithium batteries of the same volume has more energy than equipped with lead-acid batteries, and can run longer distances, meeting the needs of industries such as food delivery.
"Replacing lithium-ion batteries does not change the essence of some electric vehicles exceeding standards, but is to cater to the market. If you don't do it now, there will always be people doing it," a Linyi electric vehicle dealer in Shandong told reporters on March 3.
Some merchants have stated that, except for a few areas such as Beijing, many places have relatively simple license plates and do not even conduct physical comparisons. In order to cope with the difficulty of registration in some areas, manufacturers have also begun to make adjustments. The same electric bicycle also has a certificate of conformity (version) for electric motorcycles, and when encountering difficulties in registration, it is sold as an electric motorcycle.
Refurbished and assembled non-standard lithium batteries quietly breed safety hazards
In addition to the challenges brought by non-standard battery replacement, another challenge faced by electric bicycles is battery refurbishment and assembly.
"One set is also wholesale price, and the source factory is guaranteed. You can make it as big as you want, which is cheaper than lead-acid batteries..." Since March, a reporter from New Beijing News and Shell Finance has repeatedly seen such video recommendations.
After investigation, it was found that telling stories and making jokes through video platforms, and then shipping through logistics, express delivery and other forms to complete sales, has become the main sales method for many non-standard lithium batteries. In such batteries, there are both recycled and scrapped car cells, as well as B-grade and even C-grade cells from manufacturers.
On March 2nd, the reporter arrived in Linyi, Shandong. Because it is a famous logistics city with obvious logistics advantages, it has also become a gathering area for the electric bicycle and tricycle industries. And electric bicycles have given rise to the battery industry. In addition to the larger local Huatai Battery, many small enterprises have emerged one after another.
In a survey conducted in Linyi, a long-time business owner named Xiaoyi (pseudonym) told reporters that refurbishing and assembling high-power lithium batteries is not a secret in the industry. It is just that some refurbished and assembled batteries are more commonly used by users to replace lead-acid batteries in electric tricycles and quadricycles, as well as to store energy for RVs, factories, and stores. Because electric tricycles and four-wheelers have large battery compartments and require a lot of power, it is more practical to replace lithium batteries, and high-power electric bicycles used over long distances by individuals also have the option to replace lithium batteries.
"There are many sources of battery cells, some of which are directly dismantled from scrapped cars, while others use B-grade, or even C-grade cells from factories. More often than not, A-grade cells used in cars are more reliable, as cars have already undergone a strict quality control before use and have been scrapped due to accidents. As long as there is no harm to the cells, after screening, the quality is still acceptable," said Xiaoyi, "But this varies from person to person during the operation, and the prices in the market vary greatly. Whether you can buy a good battery at a low price depends entirely on luck."
Xiaoyi stated that if scrapped car batteries are to be reused, it is necessary to accurately test each group of batteries, combine them, laser spot weld them, and install protective plates and shells. Although many people are quick to learn and easy to get started with, it greatly tests their testing ability, professional operation ability, and responsible attitude, and not everyone can do it. In other words, if you encounter someone with poor craftsmanship when refurbishing a battery, it means a great risk. After all, such batteries are fundamentally "three no" products.
Multiple small factories both accept scrapped car batteries and sell customized lithium batteries
On March 4th, in Jining, Shandong, a factory without any signs was hidden in a large courtyard behind an electric bicycle shop. About 20 workers were busy processing batteries. In their workshop, multi cell testing equipment, welding machines, and other equipment are complete. Customized lithium battery codes waiting to be shipped are on the side.
The owner of this factory stated that they can customize the required lithium batteries, but he denied using refurbished batteries and stated that his battery cells are all from legitimate factories.
At the same time, the reporter contacted another "factory" in Jining City that sells lithium batteries online as a seller. The staff said that they can recycle the reporter's scrapped car batteries, but they need to scan the code after seeing the goods before setting the recycling price. When the reporter sent another message to purchase the refurbished battery of this company under another identity, the other party stated that they "have dismantled product A and brand new product B", and said that this dismantled product A is better. If it needs to be installed on an electric bicycle, the battery size needs to be reported, and it can be made after payment. You can choose whether to use product A or product B.
It is understood that the industry's classification of lithium-ion batteries is A-level optimal, followed by B-level, and C-level unqualified.
Afterwards, the reporter contacted multiple factories through social media that frequently posted videos of refurbished batteries, and received responses that could customize high-voltage and high-capacity lithium batteries for electric bicycles. When it comes to battery cells, sellers may adjust according to their different demands. When reporters show disdain for refurbished batteries, the other party indicates that they are selling brand new B-grade battery cells. When reporters agree that car batteries have higher quality, they will indicate that they are A-grade batteries removed from the car.
The reporter contacted a battery factory in Dongguan, Guangdong by phone, and the other party said that because tricycle batteries do not have too strict requirements for battery size, they prefer to make batteries for electric tricycles. If it is an electric bicycle, only the larger original batteries will be made. They also stated that they use all A-grade batteries removed from cars.
This means that although the target audience for these batteries is electric tricycles, the practice of installing them into high-power electric vehicles has not been blocked. If the size is large enough, sellers generally respond to every request. At the same time, with the increasing number of electric tricycles in rural and small towns, traditional lead-acid batteries are facing the need for large-scale replacement of lithium batteries due to issues such as lifespan, endurance, and winter power loss.
If customized batteries refurbished or assembled from these workshop style factories flood into the market for large electric bicycles and electric tricycles, it will become a potential risk point for fire accidents, as these batteries are large in size and can cause irreparable consequences in the event of short circuits, fires, and other problems.
In the live broadcast room selling Green Source electric bicycles, the anchor reached out and emphasized that his electric bike is equipped with 6 batteries.
Brands such as Yadi and Xiaoniu are stepping into the market, focusing on motor and battery development
On March 3rd, at the Linyi Electric Bicycle Market, the reporter entered a store with a "Green Source" storefront under the name of a bulk purchaser. A seemingly bulky blue and white small car, which did not resemble other "delivery vehicles," caught the reporter's attention.
The salesperson stated that the motor power of this electric bicycle is 1200W, and it can hold two batteries at the same time. It is a hot selling car, and usually a lithium battery is added to the original lead-acid battery, which is 72V20Ah.
After the reporter expressed concerns about license plate registration, the salesperson said that this car has a set of "qualified" procedures and there is no problem with registration - they can get it locally.
After learning that the reporter was a "big shot", the shop owner began to explain to the reporter and said that this car can be equipped with 6 batteries (1 12V), which is not a problem for family use, but it is not suitable for taking out because taking out requires strong acceleration and deceleration, and long-term use. And the manufacturer sets up two silos under the seat, which are also prepared for adding batteries. As for the wiring issue, you don't need to consider it, it's very simple.
When the reporter accidentally asked if there was a certificate of conformity, the boss immediately became alert. Later, citing the inability to sell goods across regions in large quantities, the reporter was "recommended" to a nearby "Seg Electric Vehicle" store.
In addition, the reporter found in a live broadcast room selling Lvyuan electric bicycles that high-power electric bicycles are still being sold, but a special edition has been launched in response to strict requirements in Beijing. The anchor's expression of motor power has become words such as "awesome" and "Shengmeng", while the expression of battery voltage has become a few batteries, without even making a sound, and only using fingers to compare numbers. One battery with 12 volts, a simple multiplication left for consumers. The reporter found that some anchors stated that they need to use 5 batteries when promoting an electric bicycle. Even for the same electric vehicle, electric motorcycle and electric bicycle versions have been launched for users to order according to local policies and complete pickup at local specialty stores.
The same high-power electric bicycle also appeared in the official live broadcast room of Yadi Electric Bicycle. The anchor said that compared to another electric vehicle, one has an extra battery, which means higher voltage, while the speed is simply stated as "55 yards". "Don't ask me about the motor. If I ask, I can only officially tell you 400W, but in reality, the motor you receive will be made larger and run faster."
According to a reporter's investigation, multiple brands such as Xiaoniu and No. 9 are selling electric bicycles that exceed the standard. When it's not real, the anchor says it's a "qualified" electric bike, but when it's real, they say it's an electric motorcycle. Some brands do not open official live streaming rooms, but authorize some third-party collaborators to leave enough room for marketing maneuvering. The reporter found that brands such as California Leopard and Forever are also broadcasting in this way.
It is puzzling how the same product can easily switch between different identities, and should there be a strict boundary between them? And how much trouble will such "free switching" cause for the management of electric bicycles and electric motorcycles? Once removed from regulation, how many fire safety threats will these large capacity, high-power electric bicycles loaded with large lithium batteries pose?
In recent days, Beijing has started inspecting high-speed electric bicycles along the streets, hoping that the strict management measures from sales to use, from modification to battery swapping will affect the whole country and prevent electric bicycles from being "unburned".
Bai Huabing, a reporter from New Beijing News and Shell Finance