Ebike Battery Voltage Chart [Updated]
If you want to be an expert on electric bike batteries, then you must have detailed knowledge on ebike battery voltage and state of the charge. In my article, I will show you voltage charts for different types of batteries with different voltages.
How To Ride An E-bike Safely In Ontario.
These chart curves could vary depending on the discharge rate, temperature, battery state etc. However, it will greatly help you to understand the scenario.
Voltage chart for different types of ebike batteries
There are different types of ebike batteries produced over the years. Nowadays lithium-ion batteries top the list. Besides, lead acid batteries are still produced by a very few manufacturers. Today I will show you both of these battery’s voltage chart.
Lithium ion batteries
Let’s start with the boss of the market.
36V Battery Chart
Now it’s time for the cheapest in the market.
12V Sealed Battery Chart
When it comes to battery voltage- the higher, the better! Let’s see what they have to offer.
Faster speed: If you want a faster speed on your ebike, then you must check if its battery has a higher voltage. 48V or 52V offer better speed compared to the 36V or 24V battery.
mileage: Mileage depends on voltage and Ampere hour (Ah). So higher voltage definitely enables you to move a longer range.
Efficient drive: Driving in rough or hilly terrain needs great power and efficiency. An ebike provides that required power and efficiency when it has higher battery voltage and motor wattage.
Withstand larger weight: Battery mileage and speed both have a huge dependency on the rider weight. If you have a bigger battery voltage, you can remove the barrier of the weight and have full fun of the bike.
Some essential ebike battery terminology
Here are a few terminologies used for the ebike battery.
Ampere per hour (Ah)
Ah determines the battery capacity. A battery with 11Ah can discharge 1.1A current continuously for ten hours or 11A current for 1 hour.
Voltage is electromotive force which determines the efficiency of electric bike batteries. The more voltage a battery has, the more efficient it is.
Watts is the standard unit of power which represents the power of the motor of an electric bike.
How to Choose the Right Ebike Battery for Your Needs
There are tons of aspects to look into while choosing an ebike battery for your needs. I won’t throw you under that bus, rather will discuss the very thing you need to know.
Short distance commuter
Let’s say, you are 5-10 miles away from your office and want to commute there from your house, then I will consider you as a short distance commuter. In that case, you are in luck! You don’t need to spend a whole lot of money buying the ebike battery.
You can even buy a lead acid battery which is super cheap compared to the li-ion battery. And a voltage of 24V and 10 Ah would be sufficient for you.
Long distance commuter
I consider people as long distance commuters who have to cover 30-40 miles in total a day! If you fall under that category, I have a little sad news for you. You have to spend huge bucks for your battery.
You must have to buy a li-ion battery because a lead acid battery won’t last for long by commuting that distance daily. Besides, you have to buy an ebike battery with at least 48 Voltage and 20 Ah or you can buy one with 52V and 18 Ah.
Beach cruising
Who doesn’t love cruising on the beach! But it needs great power and efficiency to smoothly drive and enjoy the scenarios. To achieve the efficiency you need at least a 36V battery.
You can choose an Ampere hour depending on how much time you want to spend cruising. If you want to spend a big deal of time then you should choose a higher Ampere hour.
Hilly terrain
To run your ebike swiftly on the hilly terrain, you just don’t need a good motor but also a bigger voltage battery. I always suggest new riders to choose at least a 48V battery for hill-track riding. And higher ampere hour, of course, to get a longer mileage.
So your ebike battery important measures are:
Voltage (V), higher voltage = higher power / speed
Amp Hours (Ah), higher Ah = better range
Watts per hour (Wh), higher Wh = better run time
Let’s look at a few examples of poplar ebike batteries
Super73 ZX: 615 Wh | 48v | 12.8ah
Different ebike battery types
The ebike market has a few different battery types, these include Lead Acid, Lithium-ion, Lithium-ion Polymer, Cobalt-Lithium, Lithium Manganese, Nickel-Cadmium and Nickel-Metal Hydride. However, the first three are generally the most common, let’s go into the details…
Lead Acid ebike batteries
If you can’t see what type of battery your ebike has on the specs, then you can probably assume it’s a Lead Acid battery, especially if you’re buying a cheapish ebike.
Lead Acid is the cheapest ebike battery, and were the original battery used.
Like most things, the cheapest isn’t the best, as Lead Acid batteries are around three times heavier than Lithium-ion batteries and we all know what more weight means on your ebike, yep, less range.
Lithium-ion ebike batteries
Lithium-Ion batteries are the most popular battery used for ebikes, as they provide the best range and longevity, with a good balance between weight and performance.
Lithium is the lightest metal and is great at storing energy, which is what makes it so good for using in batteries.
They dominate the market and you’ll find the same technology in your regular household items all the way to top performing electric vehicles such as Tesla!
Lithium-Ion batteries should last between three to five years if they are cared for properly and well maintained, but could last as long as eight if you’re really careful (and lucky).
Lead-acid batteries were first used in electric bike batteries as they are significantly cheaper however they are three times as heavy as Lithium-Ion batteries.
Lithium-ion Polymer ebike batteries
Lithium-ion Polymer batteries used a polymer electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte.
They’re extremely light and are often found in devices where they need a light battery such as mobiles or RC planes and drones.
Hence why they’re great for ebikes when everyone is striving for a greater range and load can have a negative effect on this.
Cobolt-Lithium ebike batteries
A little bit longer than Lithium Manganese batteries, it has been available on the market. It has a higher energy density than regular lithium batteries. It also offers the most power, is portable, and is dependable.
Lithium Manganese ebike batteries
It’s the newest Lithium-ion battery available. They have a good range and are long-lasting. The manufacturers also claim that they have a longer lifespan than other Lithium batteries. You’ll find plenty of electric car manufacturers using this battery type.
Nickel-Cadmium ebike batteries
Nickel-Cadmium batteries offer more capacity per pound than lead-acid batteries.
However, cadmium is an expensive and challenging to recycle hazardous pollutant, and nickel-cadmium is also expensive.
In contrast, NiCd batteries have a longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries.
However, NiCd batteries are becoming less useful as a result of how difficult they are to recycle or properly dispose of. They release themselves at an astonishingly high rate.
They can degrade by as much as 70% in just 24 hours after a full charge and no use. Their electricity density is low. These are not a suitable battery type option, regardless of price.
Nickel-Metal Hydride ebike batteries
NiMH batteries are more expensive than NiCd batteries despite being more effective. The vast majority of people assert that NiMh has little to no range advantage over NiCd. On the other hand, they will endure longer and are simpler to properly dispose of.
However, nickel-metal hydride batteries have a short lifespan. It might be challenging to charge them, and maintaining them in excellent operating order can be challenging.
How to take care of your ebike battery
- Check the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines for storing, charging and caring for your ebike battery to optimise your particular battery type’s performance and lifespan.
E-Bike Batteries Explained: 5 Things to Know
- Avoid handling batteries roughly or carelessly to prevent vibration and shock which can damage the battery and can both shorten their lifespan.
- You shouldn’t leave a lithium battery plugged in after it has finished charging as it can damage battery life. Smart charging systems should prevent overcharging these days but if you can unplug after it has reached full charge then you should do so.
- If you ride all year long and frequently in extremely cold conditions, you could consider investing in a battery cover.
Can you overcharge an ebike battery?
Most modern ebikes are built with Smart charging functionality, which means it’s impossible to overcharge them.
However, if you bike hasn’t got this, it’s important to try not to overcharge your ebike battery otherwise you can shorten its lifespan.
Can you replace a battery on an ebike?
One of the main benefits of an ebike is being to remove, recharge, replace or keep a spare battery.
If the battery on your ebike starts to show signs of wearing out, like your three year old iPhone, then the beauty of an ebike is that you can simply replace the battery.
You can even keep your older, more tired ebike battery as a spare.
How many times can you recharge an ebike battery?
Most reputable ebike manufacturers will provide e-bike battery that will endure hundreds, if not thousands of recharges to provide you the power you need to get through your daily commute.
How long does an ebike battery last?
An ebike battery should last anywhere between three to five years if you look after it.
However, if you want to know how long will it last when in use rather than its lifespan, then it will depend on lots of variables… These include your ebike motor power, how you ride, where you ride, how much weight your bike is carrying etc
You should see around 50 miles or a couple of hours from your ebike battery when it’s fully charged.
Can I upgrade my ebike battery?
The simple answer to this is yes, most of the time, but how and when you do will depend on which ebike you own.
Many ebikes have the ability to have different batteries and spares, so you will be able to chop and change, increasing the battery specs ie Volts, Amp Hours and Watts per Hour on what is available for your particular manufacturer.
Some more high-end ebikes often have a high spec battery already and would need to replaced by the manufacturer to maintain any warranty.
However, as battery technology improves over time and your ebike lifespan is decreasing then you will want to upgrade to the latest best battery from your ebike manufacturer, who will continue to improve their offering. You’ve just got to hope their latest battery is compatible with the model that you own.
How much are ebike batteries?
The cost of an ebike battery can be anything between £200 to £1000 but what you can use will again depend on your ebike brand and manufacturer. You may need to pay for labour if you need the ebike battery replaced by a professional.
How long will my electric bike battery last?
These batteries can last between three to five years. However, it will depend on whether you have protected the batteries from temperature fluctuations and kept them in a dry place.
Again, the number of times you charge your e-bike cell from 0 to 100 percent has an impact on its lifespan. Regular full charging reduces the half-life of your battery.
The battery longevity can also depend on the energy management system on the bike and your riding habits. Some e-bikes have energy management systems that you can turn on depending on your preferred riding mode. You can use the EMS system by activating the pedal-assist mode, thus easily regulating the levels of charge used.
What is the ideal capacity of an e-bike battery?
The capacity of a battery is the charge or power that it can maintain. The capacity provides you with added range on your e-bike. Selecting a battery that has a good capacity means that you won’t spend time recharging it frequently.
Your e-bike battery capacity is indicated in either amps hours or watt-hours. You will come across batteries that range from 250W to 750W. These batteries deliver power differently, thus ensuring that your e-bike lasts longer.
Before purchasing the battery, check on the different capacities and power delivery options. For example, you can find a 500WH battery that can deliver 500W of power in an hour. Such a battery also has the potential of delivering 250W in two hours and 1,000Win 30 minutes.
Electric Bike Battery Power Capability
Power capability refers to the amount of energy the battery can deliver for use within a specific period. For instance, your e-bike battery may have a capacity of 1,000 watts of power. However, it may deliver only 5W to the motor at any given time.
The power produced by the motor is known as torque, and this will vary from e-bike to e-bike.
You should choose a battery that can deliver up to 1,000W to ensure that you always have all the power you need. A normal pedaling speed of 9mph requires 30W. If you want to get to 20mph, you require 220W. Having a battery that’s capable of 1,000W means that you have more power at your fingertips.
Tips on Determining Your E-Bike’s Battery Health
Running on empty: it’s a bad position to be in on your e-bike. Picture a scenario in which you rely on your pedal assistance to make it home at the end of a long day only to find out that that extra boost isn’t there when you need it. Suddenly, conquering a hill is much tougher, you’re pedaling much harder, and by the time you walk in the door, you’re not ready to sit down for some quality binge-streaming—you just need a nap. Or imagine starting your day on an unexpectedly dead battery. You’re forced to show up to the office drenched in sweat and utterly unpresentable, all because you couldn’t enjoy the easy ride you were accustomed to.
E-bike ownership involves a few extra responsibilities. Among them is proper battery maintenance. In some sense, your battery functions as your e-bike’s gas tank. However, while external weather conditions can affect both gas mileage and battery range, a challenge unique to an electric system is the reduction of battery life due to the passing of time and bad maintenance practices. To help you monitor the state of your battery and get the longest lifespan possible from your e-bike components, we’ve put together a few tips on determining your e-bike’s battery health.
Before we get to the particulars of testing, it’s important for your e-bike’s battery to put its best foot forward, so to speak. Before running any diagnostics on your battery, make sure that it has a full charge. Even if you have questions about the potentially diminished capacity of your battery, it’s best to have it at whatever capacity that may be before you attempt to measure its vital statistics. Don’t make testing a spur-of-the-moment decision—charge your battery overnight before taking a closer look.
Use a Multimeter
Once you have a fully charged battery to work with, testing your e-bike’s battery in earnest begins with a handy tool called a multimeter. As its name would indicate, this instrument can measure numerous different electrical properties. By connecting your multimeter to your battery, you can obtain several readings pertinent to the state of your battery. While some images of old-fashioned analog models can appear imposing with their needles and fine print, you can purchase an easy-to-read digital multimeter from your nearest home improvement store. This will be an important part of your e-bike toolbox.
Once you have your multimeter in hand, it’s time to begin testing. Because we are, of course, working with electricity, safety is key. Consult your multimeter manual for safe testing practices to avoid shock or electrocution. Your manual should also instruct you on how to best connect the multimeter to a variety of different battery types. Remove the battery from the bike frame and connect your multimeter.
Once connected, there are three aspects of battery health you should note. Fortunately, for people of a certain age, they form a familiar acronym: VCR. No, not a video cassette recorder, but rather the trio of voltage, current, and resistance. What does this VCR mean to the state of your e-bike’s battery?
Measure Your Battery’s Voltage
There are lots of terms surrounding electricity, like volts and watts and amps. Let’s zero in on the first one, a number which we hope is anything but zero. Voltage is electricity’s measure of work, a figure that is pertinent to a motor. The multimeter should tell you the voltage of the battery. Ideally, this value lines up with the specifications of your battery. For instance, if you purchase our 52-volt Whale Shark e-bike battery, your multimeter should read “52V” or something very close. In examining a full battery that is not in use, testing may even yield a higher voltage than your battery specifies. If you notice that your voltage readout is significantly lower than it should be, however, this is indicative of a failing battery. This low voltage means the battery lacks the appropriate level of energy for the motor.
Check the Current
The second figure you should explore as you test the health of your e-bike battery is its current. We move now from voltage to amperage—the capacity, rather than the strength, of the electrical current. In other words, how much electricity is flowing through your battery? Your battery’s specifications will likely denote its current in terms of amp-hours, which is a measure of current over time. To give an example, a battery that boasts 17 amp-hours would be able to deliver 17 amps of electricity over one hour, one amp over 17 hours, or any intermediate way in which you choose to do the math. If your multimeter shows that the battery’s current is weaker than its specifications indicate, this is another sign that the battery has lived through too many charge cycles and is losing its ability to provide power.
TIP: Before you test for current capacity, remember to make sure your multimeter is set to measure direct rather than alternating current.
The final third of our VCR trio is resistance, or the extent to which an object pushes back against its electrical flow. We measure electrical resistance in ohms. It’s a figure that we can obtain by doing an equation appropriately called Ohm’s Law, which dictates that resistance is equal to a current’s voltage divided by its amperage. Of course, thanks to a multimeter, you can forget about physics and algebra for now and determine your battery’s resistance simply by plugging in. Ohm’s Law can already tell us that if your amperage is dropping, your resistance will go up, and as resistance increases, your battery’s efficacy decreases. That means you’ll have a tougher time charging your battery and could be looking at some perilously low battery ranges ahead.
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Bittoo Gupta
I am the founder and editor of The Bike Fetcher, a passionate E-Biker. My passion for E-bikes led me to build this blog site where I share electric bike news updates, my e-biking experience, e-biking tips, e-bike battery tips and help people to get the best e-bike. Feel free to contact me on my social accounts or through the contact form.