Advancing Electric Vehicle Technology: Evaluating Supercapacitors Versus Batteries

Electric vehicles (EVs) are crucial in the global shift from fossil fuels towards sustainable transportation. However, conventional EVs alone do not fully address issues such as urban congestion, parking difficulties, battery recycling challenges, and the environmental concerns associated with battery disposal. To overcome these limitations, micromobility solutions particularly light electric vehicles offer promising advantages for short urban journeys. This paper provides an in-depth examination of two key energy storage alternatives: supercapacitors and batteries, assessing their roles and future implications for electric transport. Supercapacitors are evaluated for their superior power density and rapid energy discharge capability, making them ideal for applications involving frequent stops and regenerative braking in urban mobility. Concurrently, battery technologies, including lithium-ion and lead-acid, are critically analyzed regarding energy capacity, longevity, economic feasibility, and environmental impacts. Additionally, this study incorporates insights from the LIFE2M project, which utilizes hybrid supercapacitor accumulators designed to significantly extend battery life, reduce environmental impact, and lower ownership costs. Ultimately, this paper underscores how the strategic integration of advanced energy storage systems and supportive infrastructure can achieve substantial reductions in energy consumption, urban pollutants, and CO₂ emissions, driving urban transport towards a greener, more inclusive future.