As an e-bike manufacturer, you may have a lot of doubts when choosing a battery. Cheap batteries cannot handle high-power operation, and batteries that can handle high-intensity operation are usually expensive. This guide explains the capacity, voltage, battery type, and how to determine the common power to help you make an informed decision.
With over 16 years of experience as a lithium battery manufacturer with more than 40 patents, whether you are a dealer or manufacturer of road e-bikes, mountain e-bikes, cargo e-bikes or e-tuk-tuks, Keheng can help you produce compliant battery packs with our experience. Dive into the world of e-bike batteries and ensure your investment meets your specific riding needs!
With this guide you will know exactly how to choose a battery!
Ready, let’s go!
Variables to consider when choosing a lithium battery for an e-bike
Voltage requirements
The voltage of the battery must match the motor of the e-bike. Common voltage levels include 24V, 36V, 48V and 72V. Higher voltage systems can provide more power and efficiency.
Capacity (Ah)
The ampere-hour (Ah) rating indicates how long the battery can supply a specific current. The higher the capacity, the longer the battery can supply current, but the weight and cost will also increase accordingly. The battery capacity of an average electric bicycle is between 5Ah, 10Ah, 15Ah, 20Ah, 25Ah, 30Ah, 35Ah, and 40Ah
| Battery Capacity (Ah) | Estimated Range (km) |
| 10Ah | 40-50 km |
| 15Ah | 60-70 km |
| 20Ah | 80-100 km |
Temperature tolerance
Temperature has a strong effect on batteries (extreme temperatures can affect battery performance and lifespan).
Compatibility
Communication protocol with existing e-bike systems (motor, controller and display). An unsuitable battery may cause inefficiency or damage to the e-bike.
Power (Wh)
Energy is derived from multiplying voltage and capacity, and is expressed in watt-hours (Wh). It helps to get a more comprehensive picture of the total power of the battery. For example, a 36V 10Ah battery has a power of 360Wh.
Weight
The weight of the battery affects the overall handling of the e-bike. There is a wide range of batteries with high capacities, but they are also heavier, which affects mobility.
Size
Ensure that the battery fits in the designated area of the e-bike frame (silver dragon, downtube, vertical, flat, semi-integrated).
Discharge rate (C-rate)
The C-rate indicates how quickly the battery can be discharged. The higher the C-rate, the faster the acceleration and the more efficient the ride on hills. The C-rate must be matched to the motor requirements.
Charging time
Charging time varies depending on the battery charger and battery capacity. A fast battery charger can significantly reduce downtimes, but overuse may affect battery life.
| Charger Type | Charging Time (Hours) |
| Standard Charger | 4-6 |
| Quick Charger | 2-3 |
Robustness and weather resistance
Choose batteries with a durable casing and weather resistance to withstand various ecological conditions. Waterproof batteries are essential for motorcyclists riding in the rain or wet conditions.
Compare different lithium battery types.
When considering lithium batteries for e-bikes, it is essential to understand the various types available and how they compare. Each type has its particular advantages and disadvantages, which can significantly affect the performance and efficiency of the e-bike.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the most common type of battery used in e-bikes. They offer a good balance between energy density, weight, and lifespan:
1. High energy density: Lithium-ion batteries store much energy in a compact package, allowing longer riding times without adding excessive weight to the e-bike.
2. Lightweight design: Lithium-ion batteries are relatively light compared to other battery types, such as lead-acid, which helps improve the handling of the e-bike.
3. Long life: Lithium-ion batteries have a longer cycle life so that they can be charged and discharged many times before their performance declines.
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries
Lithium iron phosphate batteries are known for their stability, safety, and reliability. They have a longer lifespan than conventional lithium-ion batteries and are less prone to overheating. They are, therefore, an excellent choice for manufacturers who value safety and durability. However, they tend to be larger, which may affect the layout and appearance of the e-bike.
Lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries
Lithium-polymer batteries offer the advantages of being lightweight and flexible, high power, low internal resistance, high energy density, low self-discharge, and fast charging. However, they are also more expensive and have a higher risk of thermal runaway.
Lead-acid batteries
Durability: Lead-acid batteries are robust and can withstand rough use, making them suitable for budget-conscious e-bike riders.
Cost-effective: SLA batteries have a lower initial cost than lithium-ion alternatives, which is attractive for those on a budget.
Heavier: One drawback of lead-acid batteries is their relatively high weight compared to lithium-ion batteries, which can affect the overall weight and performance of the e-bike.
When comparing these battery types, energy density, weight, safety and reliability, cost, and lifespan must be considered. Lithium-ion batteries are often favored for their high power output and relatively low weight, making them suitable for performance-oriented e-bikes. Lithium-iron phosphate batteries may be the first choice for users who value safety and longevity. Lithium polymer batteries may be ideal for cutting-edge styles but require attention to safety procedures.
Ultimately, the choice of battery type will depend on the specific needs and priorities of the e-bike manufacturer, including design goals, budgetary planning constraints, and target customer selection.
How to determine if the battery will meet the power requirements of your bike
When selecting an e-bike battery, identifying the appropriate capacity is critical to optimizing efficiency and ensuring that your e-bike meets your needs. The capacity of a battery is usually expressed in watt-hours (Wh), which indicates the amount of energy that can be stored and used.
Understanding watt-hours
Watt-hours are the product of the battery voltage (V) and ampere-hours (Ah). This value helps to accurately assess the distance you can travel on a single charge. For example, a 36V and 10Ah battery has a capacity of 360Wh.
Factors affecting battery capacity requirements
There are several factors that will affect the capacity you need:
Riding terrain: hilly areas require more power, which places a higher demand on the battery capacity.
Riding distance: the longer the distance, the higher the demand for the battery capacity.
Calculating battery requirements
To determine the optimal battery capacity, consider the following estimates:
| Factor | Factor to consider |
| Average Speed | Establish your common rate in km/h. |
| Efficiency | Calculate effectiveness in Wh/km (e.g., 10-15 Wh/km). |
| Desired Range | Quote exactly how much you desire to take a trip on a single fee. |
The required battery capacity can be estimated by multiplying the desired capacity by the performance. For example, if you plan to ride 50 kilometers and your e-bike consumes 12 watt-hours per kilometer, you need at least a 600-watt-hour battery.
Balance weight and capacity
Although a battery with more capacity can provide more power, it will also increase the weight of the e-.
In short, understanding your detailed needs and riding conditions will guide you in selecting the proper battery capacity to ensure a seamless and reliable e-bike experience.
Summary
We are the lithium battery manufacturer behind e-bike manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and repair shops. We are committed to meeting the highest manufacturing standards and solving the unique problems you encounter. With two fully automated assembly lines,
In addition, we have created a one-stop solution to meet your scalable requirements for customized lithium batteries. We welcome any custom power batteries, new lithium battery products that need to be developed, or technical consulting related to batteries.