Electric Bike Voltage: Understanding The Standard Range

Electric bikes typically come with a 48-volt or 52-volt battery. The voltage of an electric bike's battery is important as it determines the power and performance of the bike. A higher-voltage battery provides greater efficiency, with the battery using less electricity to provide the same or better power for the bike. In this article, we will explore the different voltage options available for electric bikes and the benefits of each.

48V batteries vs 52V batteries

Electric bikes typically come with a 48-volt or 52-volt battery. The difference between the two is power and performance: a 52V battery delivers better performance and greater efficiency, with the battery using less electricity to provide the same or better power for the bike. Battery life tends to be longer for a 52V battery, too.

A 48V battery is still a good option, but it will experience a significant power drop when it is about half discharged. This doesn't happen with a 52V battery, making it a better choice. Most newer e-bikes are designed to work with 52V batteries.

Upgrading from a 48V to a 52V battery is probably fine, but if you're thinking of going from 48V to 72V, you'll need a controller and motor of the same capacity, otherwise you risk frying your existing motor and controller.

The formerly popular 36V battery option has fallen out of favour because it doesn't perform as well as either 48V or 52V batteries.

48V batteries vs 72V batteries

Electric bikes typically come with 48V or 52V batteries. A 52V battery delivers better performance and is more efficient, as it uses less electricity to provide the same or better power for the bike. However, some people upgrade their bikes from 48V to 72V batteries.

A 48V battery will experience a significant power drop when it is about half discharged. This is not the case with a 72V battery, which will not experience the same drop in power at the halfway point.

Upgrading from 48V to 72V can cause issues with the controller and wires, as the voltage ranges of the two battery types do not overlap. One user on Reddit reported that they needed to use a battery mixer or some type of voltage controller to prevent their bike from exploding.

It is important to purchase the best-quality battery you can afford and to ensure that any upgrades are compatible with your bike's existing motor and controller.

The performance of 52V batteries

Electric bikes typically come with a 48-volt or 52-volt battery. The difference between the two is power and performance: A 52V battery delivers better performance. A higher-voltage battery provides greater efficiency, with the battery using less electricity to provide the same or better power for the bike. Battery life tends to be longer for a 52V battery, too.

The 52V battery will not experience the same drop in power at the halfway point as a 48V battery, making it a better choice. Most newer e-bikes are designed to work with 52V batteries. The biggest difference in battery voltages appears when either battery is about half discharged. At that point, for a 48V battery, a significant power drop occurs.

The formerly popular 36V battery option has fallen out of favour because it doesn't perform as well as either 48V or 52V batteries.

Upgrading from a 48V to a 52V battery is fine, but upgrading to a 72V battery may cause issues. A 72V battery may fry your controller or melt wires. It will also require a battery blender to switch power from one battery to the other when the 72V battery dies.

The performance of 72V batteries

Electric bikes typically come with a 48V or 52V battery. However, some e-bike kits allow you to upgrade to a 72V battery.

A 72V battery system can propel an electric bike to speeds ranging from 30 mph to over 60 mph. The exact speed depends on factors like motor wattage, battery capacity, and overall bike design. The expected top speed of a 72V e-bike typically ranges from 40 to 60 mph. For example, configurations with powerful motors and optimised controllers can achieve speeds closer to 55-60 mph under ideal conditions. However, actual speeds may vary based on rider weight, terrain, and wind resistance.

Lithium-ion 72V batteries tend to weigh between 15-20 pounds, keeping them light and compact for high-performance use. They are popular for e-bikes that need a balance between power and portability. LiFePO4 72V batteries are known for their durability and stability, but they are often larger and can weigh a bit more. NiMH 72V batteries are typically bulkier and heavier due to their lower energy density. They are a budget option but can weigh down the bike more, which might affect handling. The lifespan of a 72V battery depends on its chemistry and how you care for it. Generally, lithium-ion batteries can last 500-1,000 cycles, translating to about 3-5 years. LiFePO4 batteries last even longer, up to 2,000 cycles, which could mean 7-10 years. NiMH batteries tend to have shorter lifespans, around 500 cycles, and degrade faster if used heavily. Proper care, like avoiding full discharges and keeping the battery cool, can help extend its life.

A steady voltage output ensures that your bike’s motor has the power it needs for smooth, continuous performance. High-quality e-bike batteries are built with durability and safety in mind and have safety mechanisms to prevent problems like overheating, overcharging, and short-circuiting.

The drop in power of 48V batteries at the halfway point

Electric bikes typically come with a 48V or 52V battery. The biggest difference in battery voltages appears when either battery is about half discharged. At that point, for a 48V battery, a significant power drop occurs. This is not the case for a 52V battery, which will not experience the same drop in power at the halfway point, making it a better choice. Most newer e-bikes are designed to work with 52V batteries.

If you are thinking of upgrading your 48V battery to a 72V battery, you will need a battery mixer or some type of voltage controller to prevent your existing motor and controller from frying.

Frequently asked questions