One important reason for the success of lithium battery for electric bike is our attention to detail and design. Each product manufactured by Dongguan Chamrider Technology Co., Ltd. has been carefully examined before being shipped with the help of the quality control team. Thus, the qualification ratio of the product is greatly improved and the repair rate is dramatically decreased. The product conforms to the international quality standards.
Chamrider Battery branded products have been built on a reputation of practical applications. Our past reputation for excellence has laid the groundwork for our operations today. We maintain a commitment to continually enhance and improve the high quality of our products, which successfully help our products stand out in the international market. The practical applications of our products have helped boost profits for our customers.
We put quality first when it comes to the service. The average response time, transaction score, and other factors, to a large extent, reflect the quality of the service. To achieve high quality, we hired senior customer service specialists who are skilled at replying customers in an efficient way. We invite experts to give lectures on how to communicate and better serve customers. We make it a regular thing, which proves to be right that we have been getting great reviews and higher scores from the data collected from Chamrider Battery.
The implementation of policies promoting the transition from oil to electric power is fueling a surge in demand for electric two-wheelers in the Southeast Asian market.
Since 2019, Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, have introduced relevant policies to restrict the use of conventional fuel-powered motorcycles in response to carbon emissions and environmental pollution. As of 2023, these countries have successively implemented subsidies for the purchase of electric two-wheelers, accelerating the process of transitioning from oil to electric power. As a result, the demand for electric two-wheelers in the Southeast Asian market continues to increase, with fuel-powered motorcycles gradually being replaced by electric scooters, e-bikes, electric motorcycles, and other electric two-wheeler products. Southeast Asia has also become another important growth market in the field of electric two-wheelers.
The demand for two-wheelers in the Southeast Asian market is high.
Southeast Asia is the third-largest two-wheeler market globally. According to relevant data, the motorcycle market in the ten ASEAN countries reached a scale of 10.6 million units in 2022, ranking third globally. In the first six months of this year, motorcycle sales in Southeast Asia reached 7.5 million units, making it one of the fastest-growing regions worldwide. As of 2022, the total number of motorcycles in Southeast Asia has reached 200 million units, with Indonesia having a stock of 70 million units, Vietnam over 45 million units, and Thailand over 30 million units.
Fuel prices are continuously rising. The energy crisis resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war has led to a 33%-45% increase in gasoline prices in Southeast Asia in Q1 2023 compared to Q1 2021. The increased cost of using traditional fuel-powered motorcycles has prompted more and more consumers to consider switching to electric two-wheelers. Southeast Asian governments are also eager to reduce their dependence on imported fuel by promoting the adoption of electric vehicles.
The "oil-to-electricity" policy is being implemented. Starting in 2023, Southeast Asian countries have successively introduced subsidies for the purchase of electric two-wheelers. The Philippines has proposed tariff exemptions for electric motorcycles, electric two-wheelers, and their components for the next five years. Indonesia and Thailand have also decided to provide subsidies equivalent to over 3,000 yuan for each electric motorcycle.
The Southeast Asian region is characterized by its mountainous terrain, inadequate public transportation infrastructure, and relatively short distances for urban travel, typically ranging from 10 to 20 kilometers. As a result, motorcycles have become the primary mode of transportation for many people. In surveys on motorcycle ownership rates in major Asian countries, Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia rank far ahead. The combination of high fuel prices and policy incentives will unleash a significant demand for the replacement of fuel-powered motorcycles, making the Southeast Asian market a potential growth point for the electric two-wheeler industry.
The electric vehicle penetration rate in the Southeast Asian market is currently low, indicating significant room for market development.
As of 2022, electric motorcycles accounted for less than 1% of the Southeast Asian market. However, there is enormous growth potential in the future. Vietnam has seen an earlier start in the electric motorcycle market, with a penetration rate exceeding 10%. In contrast, other countries in the region have penetration rates of less than 5%.
Under the implementation of the "oil-to-electricity" policy, the electric two-wheeler market in Southeast Asia is in its early stages and entering a phase of rapid growth. In addition, the introduction of policies to promote the adoption of electric two-wheelers has attracted the participation of many companies.
Opening the market through B2B collaborations
In addition to daily commuting needs, Southeast Asia is experiencing rapid growth in delivery services, such as food delivery, courier services, and the sharing economy. Many companies have tapped into a broader market through B2B collaborations. For example, they collaborate with delivery platforms to introduce electric motorcycle rental models or directly sell to delivery platforms.
Ride-hailing platforms like Grab and Gojek have launched their own fleets of electric motorcycles. Grab has partnered with Indonesian electric motorcycle brand Viar Motor and battery swapping brand SWAP. SWAP's electric motorcycle, SMOOT Tempur, was introduced to meet the electric motorcycle needs of Grab's fleet. Gojek has announced plans to fully electrify all cars and motorcycles on its platform by 2030. They have established partnerships with Indonesian electric motorcycle company Gesits, Taiwanese electric scooter brand Gogoro, and Vietnamese electric vehicle company Selex to provide drivers with electric motorcycles and electric cars.
The B2B demand for electric two-wheelers in Southeast Asia not only presents opportunities for brand development but also greatly promotes the adoption and usage of electric two-wheelers throughout the region.
In summary, the electric two-wheeler market in Southeast Asia is still in its early stages, with a significant amount of market demand yet to be tapped. Currently, the motorcycle market in Southeast Asia is dominated by Japanese brands. However, there is still tremendous potential for domestic brands in the electric motorcycle sector. The electrification of two-wheelers in Southeast Asia is just beginning, and Chinese companies can leverage their mature supply chain systems and comprehensive support systems to capture a larger market share in the trend of "oil-to-electricity" in Southeast Asia.
When it comes to our passion for electric bicycles, we strive to maximize the benefits and enhance performance. Therefore, a common question arises: Can we add a larger battery to our e-bike to increase range and speed?
Yes, you can install a larger battery on your electric bicycle to achieve greater range and, in some cases, improve speed. However, this is not a DIY project. If you desire this feature, you may need to purchase a bike with expandable battery storage.
Read on to learn more about how battery life affects performance, the impact of removing the battery from the frame, and tips for improving e-bike range!
How does battery life impact e-bike performance?
Removing the electric bike battery from the frame.
Battery life refers to the total number of charge cycles (from 0 to 100%) a battery can endure before it stops working. Your battery's lifecycle will affect overall performance. Batteries nearing the end of their lifecycle will not last as long or hold charge effectively.
The expected lifespan of an e-bike battery depends on the battery type. The most common battery types include:
Lithium batteries, the most prevalent type, can typically handle around 1,000 charge cycles.
Nickel batteries have an estimated lifespan of around 500 charge cycles.
Lead batteries have a lifespan of approximately 300 charge cycles.
While battery lifespan is important and impacts performance, battery capacity and range are crucial factors in choosing a battery. Range refers to how far you can travel on a single charge, while capacity refers to the duration of the ride.
Not all brands and manufacturers accurately describe their model ranges, but as a general rule of thumb, here are some figures:
250-500Wh: Within this range, your bike will be very basic and standard, with an estimated range of 25 miles per charge.
500-800Wh: This range indicates entry into the high-end segment, typically providing a range of over 30 miles per charge.
800+Wh: These are premium and luxury battery series. With this type of battery, you can expect a range of over 40 miles per charge.
Think of capacity like a fuel tank on a car; the more it can hold, the longer you can travel. Battery capacity operates similarly; the larger the capacity, the greater the distance it can cover.
If you are considering upgrading to a larger battery for your current e-bike, be sure to check the capacity and range.
Can you retrofit an electric bicycle with a larger battery?
Not all electric bicycle batteries are interchangeable.
Electric bicycles come in various designs and configurations. If you have the knowledge and skills, you may be able to equip your bike with a different battery. However, for most people and many models of bicycles, the battery is integrated into the bike itself.
Let's take the example of the ChamRider Integrated Battery SSE-125 SEA LION II model. It comes with a removable integrated battery, and you can upgrade that battery, but you can only use parts provided by the manufacturer.To enhance the battery capacity and fully leverage the bike's performance, you would need to spend around $500, which is nearly half the price of the bike itself.
Can batteries with different voltages (36v, 48v, 52v, etc.) be interchangeable?
The answer to this question is somewhat complex as it largely depends on your specific model and manufacturer. Depending on the type of controller you have, it may be possible to accept a range of voltages such as 24v-36v or 36v-48v. You would need to look up the specific details of your model to determine this.
The concern here is that a higher voltage battery could potentially fry the motor and electronic components. Running a higher voltage battery on a model that doesn't support it can result in the motor being permanently damaged.
That being said, many manufacturers build in a significant safety margin to account for these types of situations. Nonetheless, it's important to check with your model and manufacturer to avoid damaging your electric bicycle.
Adding additional batteries (expanding) to an existing battery
Adding more batteries to an existing battery is not a straightforward task and is not suitable for beginners. If you're looking for an upgrade, it's generally better to choose a higher-end model in the long run.
When adding more batteries to an existing setup, you need to know what you're doing. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, can be dangerous and may cause minor explosions. Assuming you don't encounter an explosion, adding additional batteries can lead to issues of imbalance, premature battery death, and potential battery failures.
Most importantly, if you don't know what you're doing, do not attempt this operation. Adding more batteries can damage the batteries and potentially be life-threatening.
Will adding a larger battery increase speed and range?
When it comes to increasing speed and range, adding a larger battery is not a simple task and is much more complicated than it may seem.
In short, adding a larger battery can be dangerous, damage your bike, or be a very complex issue that isn't worth the trouble. To increase the speed of your bike, you would need to somehow increase the battery capacity.
Capacity doesn't necessarily mean faster speed, but it can represent a larger range. Watt-hours (Wh) are the measurement unit used to determine the battery pack's capacity, which allows you to measure the range. To calculate it, multiply the voltage by the amp-hour rating of the battery pack. For example, a 36V 10Ah battery pack has a capacity of 360 watt-hours (36 x 10 = 360). Assuming you use about 20 watt-hours per mile, then you can travel 18 miles.
In theory, having a larger capacity battery would allow you to ride for a longer duration. However, this is not a simple task and should be left to professionals. But what is the best way to increase the range of an electric bike without adding a larger battery?
What is the best way to increase the range of an electric bike?
For an electric bike, how you use the bike is just as crucial to the battery and motor as the bike itself. The terrain you ride on, how you handle the bike, and even the wind can affect the bike's range.
How much does it cost to replace an electric bike battery?
The cost of an electric bike battery can vary widely, but typically ranges from $200 to over $900. The range depends on factors such as the brand, capacity, and quality of the battery.
Let's take the example of a battery like the ChamRider 36V 48V Electric Bike Battery . This battery has a voltage of 48V and a capacity of 10Ah, and it is priced quite reasonably. You won't get the support of a high-end brand, but this battery can provide a range of 20-30 miles on a single charge.
With options closer to or above $800, you'll be spending more on the brand and quality. Mid-range prices of $400-$600 should be sufficient to get the job done quite well.
Another factor that can affect the price of a battery is whether it is an external battery or an integrated battery. For integrated in-frame batteries, you may need to pay more compared to external options.
Please keep in mind that while the upfront cost may be high, purchasing a replacement battery is a worthwhile investment. Buying a replacement battery can effectively double your range and provide peace of mind in case of emergencies. The decision depends on you and your budget, but we highly recommend having a spare battery!
Introduction
An electric bicycle consists of two essential components: the motor and the battery. Both are crucial, and it is important to choose the right battery for your DIY customization. In this article, I will do my best to explain e-bike batteries in a simplified manner.
There are many factors to consider before purchasing a battery, and it's important not to make hasty decisions, as even lower-spec batteries can be costly.
I could write pages upon pages about modern batteries and their working principles, but I want to keep this article as simple as possible, focusing on selecting the right battery for your specific build.
Choosing the Right Battery
Several variables need to be considered before buying a battery. I will list them below, and each one requires careful consideration:
For the purpose of this article, I will focus on the most popular voltages currently used:
Most road-legal e-bike kits use a 36V battery, while more powerful motors may require a 48V or even a 52V battery. When using high-performance electric bikes, the voltage can reach up to 72V or even higher.
For example, if you purchase a 250W mid-drive motor, you would need a 36V battery. If you opt for a 1000W BBSHD motor, you would need a 48V battery.
Battery Placement
You need to decide where you want to mount the battery on your bicycle. The most popular location is the downtube in a diagonal position because it not only looks neat but also keeps the additional weight of the battery relatively centered and low, improving stability.
The Cube Target Pro mountain bike is powered by a Bafang BBS02 750W electric motor kit and a 52V battery.
Unfortunately, this may not apply to all bicycles and depends on the frame size and geometry. For many full-suspension mountain bikes, it can be challenging to mount the battery on the frame due to the rear suspension. Fortunately, there are now more compact battery packs available, but these packs have smaller outputs, typically around 36V 10.4Ah. Alternatively, you can mount the battery on the underside of the frame, but this may make it more susceptible to damage, and you need to check the clearance with the front tire when the suspension is fully compressed.
Frame-integrated batteries are also popular options for step-through frame bicycles or small frame bicycles. These types of batteries typically come with specific "double-layer" frames, which inevitably add weight to the rear of the bicycle.
Battery Range
Another important variable to consider is the Ah or "ampere-hour" rating of the battery. A battery with a capacity of 1 ampere-hour should be able to continuously provide a current of 1 ampere to the load for exactly 1 hour, or 2 amperes for 1/2 hour, or 1/3 ampere for 3 hours, and so on, before being fully discharged.
The capacity of a medium-sized battery is typically around 13Ah. When multiplied by the voltage, such as 36V x 13Ah = 468Wh, it gives the capacity in "watt-hours" (Wh). Watt-hours is a unit of electrical energy, equivalent to the power consumption of one watt over one hour. Therefore, a 36V 13Ah battery can effectively sustain 468 watt-hours.
How does this translate into measurable range? Assuming you are conservative with the power usage, you would spend approximately 20 watt-hours per mile of travel, giving you a range of 23.4 miles. This is based on the assumption of maintaining power consumption at that exact level throughout the duration.
Of course, in the real world, this scenario is unlikely as there are times when you may not need electric assistance at all, while other times you may heavily rely on it. For example, if you live in an area with long and steep hills, your power consumption per mile may exceed 20 watt-hours. If you reside in a fairly flat area, your consumption may be lower.
If you desire to achieve longer mileage, a 36V 17.5Ah battery would allow you to travel 31.5 miles at a constant power consumption of 20 watt-hours per mile. However, in real-world scenarios, I have reported ranges of 50-60 miles with such capacity batteries.
If you can only purchase a smaller battery, there are many ways to increase the battery range of an electric bike without spending any extra money.
Most electric bike batteries use standard 18650 lithium-ion cells produced by well-known manufacturers such as LG, Samsung, Panasonic, and Sanyo. In my opinion, opting for branded batteries is always wise as they tend to have longer lifespans and greater reliability compared to unbranded generic Chinese batteries. That being said, I have provided many battery packs using Chinese batteries without any issues. It all comes down to the price. Personally, I would spend a little more to purchase branded batteries as buying cheaper batteries might be a false economy.
Battery Maintenance
Lithium batteries require careful handling. There are restrictions on their transportation, and it's not without good reason. The problem is that if they catch fire, they burn at very high temperatures and can cause severe burns or even death. Do not store them in areas exposed to extreme heat.
These batteries do not like extreme temperatures at either end. Their performance decreases once the temperature drops below zero, and most manufacturers set the minimum operating temperature at -20 degrees Celsius and the maximum at 45 degrees Celsius.
Charging
When the battery is new, it is generally recommended to run it through at least three full charge and discharge cycles to ensure the battery is fully balanced, although I have ample evidence to suggest that discharging the battery to at least 50% during normal use is sufficient for this period.
There is some evidence to suggest that always fully charging the battery can shorten its lifespan, and most of the time, charging it to 80% and only fully charging the battery once is more beneficial for long-term battery health over weeks.
This is a somewhat controversial topic, as a highly respected lithium battery expert told me that this is not the case. In fact, I had a customer who followed the above practice, and several months later, the maximum charging voltage dropped significantly, and the battery needed to be rebalanced.
If the battery is not used for several months, it is also essential to ensure that the battery has at least 80% charge. If the battery is left discharged for several months without use, the voltage in the battery may drop below the design minimum and could result in permanent damage. Additionally, it is not recommended to store the battery at its maximum capacity for more than a few days, as this is also detrimental to the long-term health of the battery.
All these battery packs use a Battery Management System (BMS), which is the brain of the battery. It is a small electronic circuit that prevents overcharging and over-discharging and regulates the overall amplifier output. A fully charged 36V battery has a voltage of approximately 42.2V, and the BMS typically shuts off the battery at around 29V. A fully charged 48V battery has a voltage of 54.4V and usually shuts off around 39V. This is crucial because over-discharging can permanently damage the battery's chemical composition.
Continuous Current
This depends on several factors but will be influenced by the battery quality, voltage, Ah rating, and BMS. Most 36V 13Ah batteries have a continuous discharge rate between 15A-20A but may be able to provide higher output momentarily. This also depends on the type of motor controller being used. For example, the controller on a 1000W Bafang BBSHD can handle a continuous current of 30 amps.
Other Factors to Consider
A good mid-drive motor, such as Bafang or Tongsheng, utilizes the bike's gear ratio to transfer the power generated by the motor to the rear wheel. This results in higher efficiency and less battery energy consumption. On the other hand, large direct-drive hub motors cannot spin as fast, so they will consume more watt-hours per mile.
The weight of the rider also plays a significant role. A person weighing 100 kg riding a 250W electric bike at full power will consume more energy compared to a person weighing 75 kg.
Conclusion
If you only plan on using the bike for short trips of up to 20-30 miles, then a 36V 13Ah battery should be sufficient. The same applies to a 48V motor. However, if you plan on traveling or spending long periods in the saddle, it would be worthwhile to purchase a battery with a capacity of at least 36V 17.5Ah or even 20Ah.
The differences between lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries on electric bicycles are quite apparent.
Cost:
Lead-acid battery systems can be several hundred or thousand dollars cheaper than comparable lithium-ion batteries.
Currently, the price range for lithium-ion batteries is between $5,000 and $15,000 (including installation costs), and this range may vary depending on the size of the required system.
Associated Costs:
The purchase and installation costs of lead-acid batteries are generally cheaper than lithium-ion batteries.
The cost component of lithium-ion batteries is higher; however, the lifespan value of lithium-ion batteries offsets this impact.
Energy Density:
The energy density of lead-acid batteries is much lower than that of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries have significantly higher energy density compared to lead-acid batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries can store more energy in the same physical space. Additionally, they can release more energy, providing power for a longer duration.
Discharge Capacity:
The discharge capacity of lead-acid batteries should not exceed around 50% as it can shorten the battery's lifespan.
Typically, lithium-ion batteries utilize 85% or more of their total capacity in a single cycle. Therefore, lithium-ion batteries have better effective capacity than lead-acid batteries.
Efficiency:
The efficiency of lead-acid batteries ranges from 80% to 85%. These batteries charge slowly and have lower effective battery capacity.
Most lithium-ion batteries have an efficiency of 95% or higher, meaning that 95% or more of the energy collected in the lithium-ion battery can be utilized. These batteries charge quickly and have a larger effective capacity.
Application:
Lead-acid batteries are well-suited for large-scale stationary applications where space is abundant and energy demands are low. In terms of cost and size, lithium-ion batteries may be the ideal choice for electric bicycles.
Environmental Friendliness:
Lead is a carcinogenic and environmentally hazardous substance. Even lead-acid batteries contain dangerous compounds like sulfuric acid. Lithium-ion batteries are more environmentally friendly as lithium is a harmless substance.
Which battery is best for electric bicycles?
For electric bicycles, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the best choice. While lead-acid batteries are still much cheaper, they are three times heavier than lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are favored for their lightweight nature and suitability for long-distance travel. Compared to older battery technologies, lithium-ion batteries offer faster charging, longer range, and better power density, achieving longer battery life in lighter containers.
However, the five most critical variables to consider when choosing battery chemistry are specific energy, cost, lifespan, power, and safety.
What is the lifespan of an electric bicycle battery?
With proper maintenance, the battery lifespan can range from 3 to 5 years. Even when not in use, lithium batteries on electric bicycles will gradually lose capacity and self-discharge.
Even if the connected electric bicycle doesn't require any power or remains unused, the lithium battery on the electric bicycle will lose the stored energy due to internal actions.
Excessive self-discharge can cause irreversible damage to the electric bicycle's battery. Therefore, it is recommended to actively utilize it.
How Many Years Should An Ebike Battery Last?
Generally, a high-quality eBike battery may last between 3 and 5 years. Of course, this depends on various factors, including the type of battery, and how well you maintain it.
The major factors recommended for prolonging the e-bike’s battery life include the following:
Charge your battery completely for up to 4-7 hours before your first ride to extend its lifespan.
Use the original charger provided during the initial purchase with your e-bike; never mix and match chargers.
Do not wait until your e-bike battery is completely drained before charging.
Maintain your e-bike by charging it regularly and adequately.
Establish a charging station that is both dry and secure. Electrical gadgets should not be exposed to high humidity.
Learn your battery’s high and low voltage cut-off limitations.
Regularly clean around the battery connections and eliminate any corrosion.
Lithium batteries are the most prevalent battery in electric bikes nowadays.
Advantages Of Lithium Batteries
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Disadvantages of lithium electric bicycle batteries
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Advantages Of Lead Acid Batteries For E-Bikes
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Disadvantages of lead acid batteries for e-bikes
Conclusion:
Which is better, lead-acid batteries or lithium-ion batteries? In most cases, lithium-ion battery technology is superior to lead-acid battery technology due to its advantages in reliability and efficiency.
If the electric bicycle is not used frequently, the cheaper lead-acid battery may be preferred. According to recent research, the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries in electric bicycles is 45% longer than that of equivalent-rated lead-acid batteries.
