They use lead acid batteries because they are required by law to have a wet cell battery to power the lights, lithium batteries are dry cell batteries and there for do not qualify.
The lead battery has now become the unreliable part in running the lights, the traction battery "shorting out" is almost unheard of and if the traction battery shorts out having hazard lights that work is the least of your problems.
When I have more time I'll dig up the exact law and quote it to you if you want.
Quote:
Originally Posted by American Viking
A secondary battery is required, so that if the main battery shorts out for any reason, the hazard lights, brake lights and such will continue to function.
But just because your Tesla or new Nissan comes from the factory with heavy lead acid battery doesn't mean you can't swap it out for better energy chemistry and lighter package technology.
Remember, the OEM's do not put the very best into their cars.
They put the cheapest materials that they can into their vehicles to maximize profit.
Does that mean that the main battery in a Nissan or Tesla is poorly designed? No,..
But, it means that they will pick the cheapest battery technology they can for the 12V secondary system.
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