More about the battery
What factors determine the capacity of a battery? How long does an e-bike battery last? What range can be achieved with a MOUGG battery? What factors determine the range of an e-bike system? What are the costs of charging a battery?
The battery plays a central role in e-bikes as, together with the motor, it provides additional propulsion when riding. It is therefore important to find out not only about the different motors, but also about the different battery types before buying an e-bike, as these can differ considerably in terms of handling and range.
The capacity of a rechargeable battery is determined by the electrical voltage in volts (V), the amount of charge in ampere hours (Ah) and the resulting stored electrical energy in watt hours (Wh). The capacitive properties of a rechargeable battery result from the formula Wh = V * Ah.
This means that the watt hours (Wh) take into account both the capacity (Ah) and the voltage (V) of the battery. The specification of watt hours (Wh) therefore gives a more accurate indication of the actual performance of the battery compared to specifications in ampere hours (Ah) alone. It is therefore advisable to pay attention to the watt hour specification when comparing different batteries.
An example of a MOUGG battery would be: With a voltage of 36 volts and a charge quantity of 10.5 ampere hours, this results in a capacity of approximately 375 watt hours.
Lithium-ion batteries are not only characterized by a high energy density, but also by a long service life of around 500 to 1,000 charging cycles. However, it should be noted that the battery is often only partially charged in practice. For example, if the battery is charged twice from 50 to 100 %, only the combination of both partial charges results in a complete charging cycle. After 500 to 1,000 charging cycles, however, the batteries are by no means defective, but often still have more than half their original capacity. We can also confirm from practical experience that our workshops often carry out inspections and maintenance work on e-bikes whose batteries still have sufficient capacity after 3 to 5 years.
The range of an e-bike depends not only on the battery capacity, but also on the selected support mode and external factors. The latter can have a negative impact on the possible range. Here is an overview of the factors and their possible effects:Route profile and environmental influences:
- If there is a headwind or the terrain has many inclines or meters in altitude, the energy consumption of the motor increases.
Tire tread and tire pressure:
- A coarse tread, such as on an E-MTB, or tire pressure that is too low will result in higher rolling resistance. Information on the recommended minimum and maximum tire pressure for the respective bike can be found on the tire sidewall.
Payload and weight:
- The energy consumption of the e-bike system is also directly influenced by the total weight (e-bike, rider and luggage).
Riding style and cadence:
- Although it is possible to start off in high gears with the support of the motor, it consumes more energy. The eBike motors work most efficiently with a cadence of around 60 crank revolutions per minute, also known as the cadence. The range can be increased by a few kilometers by shifting gears frequently, especially when starting off or on inclines
What should I bear in mind when storing and caring for my e-bike battery?
- The battery should be charged to 30 to 60 percent when not in use for long periods and stored at a room temperature of 10 to 20 degrees. It is advisable to check the battery every two months and recharge it if necessary, as the lithium-ion cells slowly discharge over time. It is important to note that the battery should not be exposed to extreme heat or cold. At very high or low temperatures, especially in midsummer or at temperatures around freezing point, the battery should be taken into the home or office. It is recommended that the battery should ideally be charged at the specified room temperature.
How long does an e-bike battery last?
The service life of a battery is significantly influenced by its use and care, but experience has shown that the service life is consistently long. Many eBike batteries therefore last five years or even longer.
How much does it cost to charge an E-Bike battery?
To fully charge a 375 watt-hour battery, you need to factor in around 15 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) at an average electricity price of around 40 cents (as of November 2022).
