E-bike batteries come in all shapes and sizes, from the small and lightweight for short commutes to the powerful and heavy for extended range.
The e-bike battery is one of the most influential components of an e-bike. It provides power to the motor, determines range, and impacts handling, weight, and frame design.
Learning about the e bike batteries is an essential thing for new riders because it will help you to choose, maintain and utilize your e bike’ battery.
Mounting option for E-bike batteries
There are 4 types of mounting
1.Mounted on the lower tube of the frame
The battery is mounted on the lower tube of the frame.
Battery stays independent water resistant. Can easily be taken off for charging and does not affect the geometry of the bike frame. This position of mounting lowers gravity of the bike making it stable to the ground.
2.Built-in lower tube of the frame
The battery is integrated inside the lower tube of the frame. The design makes the changing of geometry. The tube is made to be bigger for keeping the battery. The advantage of this design makes the bike look neat, modern and fully water resistant. Battery stays in this position to balance the bike’s gravity ,making it stay firm on the ground.
3.Mounted under the seat
The battery is mounted on the straight tube of the frame, under the seat of bike. This design is mostly for e-folding bikes and does not affect to bike folding structure. The position of battery also make bike stay firm and balance to the ground
4.Mounted under the rear rack
Battery mounted on this position plays a bit odd to the balance and uphill ability of the bike. This design can normally seen in city , commuter bikes where riding terrains are quite smooth and not much uphill.
E-bike batteries capacity
What is the meaning of Ah (Amp hour),V (Volts),Wh(Watt-hour),W (Watts),Nm(Newton- metrers)?
Ah or Ampere hour : is the rating of ampere of a battery can provide for exactly one hour. The rating count in mili-amp per hour for small battery (mAh) and Ah to large battery. The average Ah for E-bikes range from 8-14 Ah. The more Ah equal to the more range.
V or Voltage : is the flow of electric force from the battery which can make motor work. Means that the more voltages, the more motor power. Average range for e-bikes from 36-52V
Wh or Watt-hour: is total energy capacity of a battery. For E-bikes, it can arrange form 250Wh- 1500Wh
W or Watts: is the E-Bike motor power. For E-bikes, it can arrange from 250W to 1500W
Nm or Newton-meters: is the ability of a bike to respond to uphill tasks. E- bikes have average range from 40-100 Nm. The higher number means that the bike will respond better
How to count the energy capacity of the battery?
Many people when looking to buy an electric bike are interested in how to calculate the energy capacity of an electric bike? How far can a battery range? This is very important to know because capacity of battery is the main factor that determines which purpose of an electric bike for. The capacity Watt Hours (Wh) of an electric bike if it is short -range or long -range battery. Because it will show if this e- bike is for inner city commuting or for hunting in deep forest
We can use this physical formula:
Voltage (V) × Amp Hours (Ah) = Watt Hours (Wh)
For example if an E- bike has a battery with 52V x 20Ah. The capacity will be 1,040 Wh. If we estimate 20Wh is for one mile. So the battery can range 1040 /20 = 52miles (83,6 km)
Types of E-bike batteries.
Lead-Acid battery: is a kind of rechargeable battery in which lead alloy is the main material component .This old technology used for the old E- bike models in the past. A sealed lead- acid battery has low capacity of electricity, rapidly deteriorates, and is not durable. And they are much heavier than Lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium ion battery : is the advanced, rechargeable battery technology, in which lithium ions are the main material component. Lithium-ion batteries have much longer life, quick charge, more power and much durable. However the price is more expensive than lead- acid batteries. Because the alloy of lithium, cobalt, manganese, nickel used to make the battery are much more expensive than the lead
A lithium ion battery is more neat and more lighter than a Lead acid battery
Most of advanced E-bikes on the market now are lithium-ion battery
How to take care for E-bike batteries
It will take around 4-6 hours to fill up the battery. Depending on battery capacity and frequency of use. One time of battery charging can last for using from 3 to 10 days. To keep battery for a longer life span, it is important to remember
- Remover battery out of the bike when you don’t use
- Keep the battery at room temperature ,Avoid direct sunlight because it can make the battery become too hot and can explode. Too cold weather conditions can make the battery quickly lose energy.
- Try to recharge battery before it become totally empty
- Unplug when the battery is full. Keeping it plugging whole the time can make shorter life span of battery
Your bike motor, battery and other components are a complete . Manufacturers did exact compatibility of each component. Each battery has a life time of 3-5 years ,when it comes to the time of changing. Make sure that you buy the same battery voltage and capacity. The bigger or lower voltage supply can cause damage to the bike’ motor. Unmatched voltage can make collapse of all system ,motor, battery, electric lines, throttle, causing the stress for drive train as well
How much battery capacity is needed?
Batteries come with different capacities. They can range from 180 Wh to 1000Wh. The bigger capacity means the battery will weigh more. So depend on how much do you need your bike performing, you choose a suitable one
Commuter bikes riding inside the city can have battery capacity range from 180 Wh- 500Wh is enough. While heavy E- mountain bikes need much more for rough terrains and uphill challenges. The battery capacity can be from 250Wh -1000Wh.
Conclusion
Choosing an E-bike motor and battery will not be difficult once you have the basic knowledge about its material capacity. How to take care of it also is an important job. Because it is not only to keep the battery’ life last longer. It helps all the bike components gets more durable as well.
Source Wikipedia, Wikimedia commons
