How to choose the right battery for your electric bike

Batteries are arguably the most vital component of an electric bike. As a new or versatile e-bike user, we believe you are aware of the importance of an e-bike battery. However, there is a popular question that most e-bike users ask. How do you choose the right battery for your electric bike? How do you know which one is the best of all the varieties of available battery types? What type of cell do I purchase for my electric bike?

In this guide, we will answer all the questions bothering you. This article also contains information on the different types of electric bike batteries available for your usage. Additionally, we will let you know about the factors that you should look out for before choosing an electric bike battery. Keep reading to learn how to choose the best battery for your e-bike.

Things to look out for before choosing a Lithium-ion Battery

Every electric bike has a unique input volt range. This means you can only power your electric bike with the exact voltage required to power it. You should not power your electric bike with a battery with a voltage that is more or less than the recommended range. This is necessary to avoid complications.

Using a battery with lesser voltage means you will not have enough power to significantly run your bike’s motor system. However, using a higher voltage can damage the sensitive electrical parts of the motor system. Most electric bikes accept nominal voltages – 36 volts or 48 volts. Generally, electric bikes come outfitted with a 18650 cell.

Lithium cobalt battery cells can hold up to 4.3v with a full charge and about 3.1v after discharging.

For example; if your bike has a lithium manganese cell, with a rating of 49volts and 13 cell clusters. Each cluster has an average voltage of 3.8v.

Here is how to calculate the average voltage of your battery;

3.8volts x 13 cells = 49.4volts or 49V average.

However, after a full charge; this “49v” average battery will hold 4.3v * 13 cells = 55.9volts.

As you discharge the battery, it will reduce every cell to 3.1v from 4.3v – min volts of 3.1v * 13 = 40.3v.

This average voltage range will help you determine if this battery is compatible with your bike. Voltages are converted to speed on your electric bike. If you choose a battery with higher voltage ratings within the motor limit, all things being equal, you’ll reach new top speeds.

Amperes

Amperes are virtually the measure of the flow of current at a specific voltage. In reality, the amperes are a measure of your bike’s torque. With more available amperes for your electric bike’s motor system, one thing is sure, more torque.

So, with your 49v 13Ah battery, your electric bike can peak at 68A with a continuous draw of 45A. 

However, most motor systems can only pull as much current as they need. Therefore, choosing a battery with a high current output will not damage your electric bike’s motor.

This means if volts are the “speed” in your e-bike, amperes are how fast your electric bike’s battery can deliver this speed. More volts naturally gives more speed. Also, a higher amperage rating means more speed per second or hour. This means the power you get from your electric bike battery will determine your torque.

To sum it all

Choosing the best type of Lithium-ion battery for your electric bike can be complicated.  However, lithium cobalt is outstanding, and it offers higher energy density than others. This doesn’t mean other types of Li-ion batteries are bad for your electric bike.

Lithium manganese batteries are more ecologically friendly and safer. Lithium manganese also offers a higher cell voltage than lithium cobalt batteries. However, the energy density of lithium manganese is 20% less than that of lithium cobalt batteries. 

Finally, lithium manganese also has extra advantages in terms of lithium-ion chemistry – including higher temperature performance and lower cost. Also, your budget is a big determinant of the kind of Li-ion battery you will buy.