This post explains how the ONYX 23Ah battery works, focusing on the original pack design that was manufactured from 2019 through 2022. It covers proper charging methods, how its balancing behavior differs from newer ONYX batteries, and how to maximize safety, range, and overall lifespan.
The guide begins with the fundamentals and then moves into practical technical detail, including charger compatibility, balancing schedules, voltage characteristics, diagnostics, and real-world riding considerations.
ONYX 23Ah 72V Battery Aging Limitations
The ONYX 23Ah battery packs are now in an advanced stage of aging and no longer deliver original capacity or peak output. Most riders will see reduced range, weaker acceleration, higher voltage sag under load, and noticeably higher battery temperatures due to increased internal resistance. These packs have very limited tolerance for high current operation. Using Kelly SICKO MODE or FarDriver JAWS MODE can cause permanent cell damage and irreversible capacity loss. Operate only within the specified DC current, DC boost, and AC phase current limits.
ONYX 23Ah 72V DC Current and Phase
- DC Current Amps: 40A-50A
- DC Boost Current: 55A-60A
- AC Phase Current: 120A-150A
What Makes the ONYX 23Ah 72V Battery Different
Most ONYX batteries balance automatically with any normal charger.
The 23Ah battery does not.
It requires a charger that supports true constant voltage charging so the BMS can balance the cells correctly. This is not the same as trickle charging, and variable-voltage chargers will not work.
ONYX 23Ah 72V Charger Compatibility for Balancing
| Charger | Balances | Cannot Balance |
|---|---|---|
| ONYX 5A | ✅ | |
| ONYX 10A | ❌ | |
| Grin Tech | ✅ | |
| Variable chargers | ❌ |
ONYX 23Ah 72V Charging Times
5A Charger
| Target | 0% -> 100% | 50% -> 100% |
|---|---|---|
| 84.0V (100%) | 5.6 hrs | 3.6 hrs |
| 83.3V (97%) | 4.6 hrs | 2.0 hrs |
10A Charger
| Target | 0% -> 100% | 50% -> 100% |
|---|---|---|
| 84.0V (100%) | 2.8 hrs | 1.8 hrs |
| 83.3V (97%) | 2.3 hrs | 1.0 hrs |
ONYX 23Ah 72V Real-World Range
Range varies by terrain, riding style, temperature, and battery condition.
New York City (Flat)
- Eco: ~65 miles
- Normal: ~45 miles
- Sport: ~30 miles
San Francisco (Hills)
- Eco: ~50 miles
- Normal: ~35 miles
- Sport: ~20 miles
ONYX 23Ah 72V Reading Battery Level Correctly
The display shows both bars and voltage. Voltage is more accurate.
The bike draws about 0.6V when powered on. Newer v1.5 bikes compensate for this automatically.
ONYX 23Ah 72V Heat and Charging
The cells are rated to 140°F. The BMS cuts power at 158°F.
Because the battery does not report temperature, an external probe can be useful. If internal temps approach 120°F, reduce load.
Best practice:
- Let the battery cool 30 minutes after riding before charging
- Wait 1 hour on days above 90°F
- Never charge in direct sun
- Avoid charging below 32°F or above 120°F
ONYX 23Ah 72V General Battery Safety
- Do not charge immediately after racing or hill climbs
- Clean XLR connectors occasionally with contact cleaner
- Store between 78V and 81V when not riding
- Long-term storage: ~74V
- Avoid keeping the battery at 84V continuously
- If voltage fluctuates at rest, stop using the battery and contact ONYX
ONYX 23Ah 72V Charging Safety and Storage
Overnight charging is safe. The charger reduces current automatically after 97% and enters constant voltage mode.
- Do not turn off the battery power switch while charging
- Balance every 3 months minimum
- Do not intentionally discharge below 64V
- It is fine to leave at 84V for a day or two occasionally
ONYX 23Ah 72V Battery Power Switch
The battery has its own power switch that controls the BMS and charge ports.
- Leave ON during charging
- Leave ON during storage
- Turn OFF only when disconnecting from the bike
If left ON while the bike is OFF, the pack slowly loses about 0.2V over time.
ONYX 23Ah 72V Performance Basics
Battery health directly affects acceleration, voltage sag, and top speed.
Important realities:
- Faster riding drains the battery faster
- Balancing matters
- No two packs behave identically
- Performance differs at 100% vs 50% charge
Keep voltage above 69V (20%) to reduce sag and prevent cutoffs.
ONYX 23Ah 72V Constant Voltage vs Balancing
Constant voltage charging is required for balancing, but they are not the same thing.
At 97% (83.3V) the charger light turns green. The remaining 3% to 84.0V takes about 95 minutes at very low current.
Balancing happens after this stage on supported chargers.
ONYX 23Ah 72V Voltage Sag and Cutoff
Sag is the voltage drop under throttle.
- Cold days: up to 7V sag
- Warm days: 4-5V sag
Cutoff occurs at about 59.4V.
To recover:
- Roll the bike slowly
- Lightly hold the left brake for regen
- Turn battery switch off 10 seconds
- Turn back on
- Do not twist throttle while restarting
ONYX 23Ah 72V Battery Management System
The pack contains 160 Panasonic NCR18650PF cells.
BMS limits:
- Max: 4.20V per cell group
- Min: 3.00V per cell group
If one group reaches minimum first, the BMS cuts power to protect the pack.
ONYX 23Ah 72V Balancing Schedule
| Rider type | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Seasonal | 3-day balance at season start, then every 3 months |
| Occasional | Every 4 months |
| Frequent | Every 3 months |
| Daily commuter | 2 days every 2 months |
ONYX 23Ah 72V How to Balance the Battery
Balancing is slow and happens at milliamp levels.
Steps:
- Use ONYX 5A charger
- Charge to 100%
- Leave plugged in for 72 continuous hours
- Riding between sessions is fine, resume later if interrupted
ONYX 23Ah 72V How to Tell If the Battery Is Unbalanced
Symptoms:
- Full charge shows 81.6-82.8V instead of 83.5-84V
- Cutoff occurs early (64-74V)
Rules:
- Cuts off at 60V = balanced
- Cuts off above 64V = unbalanced
ONYX 23Ah 72V Diagnostics with an Outlet Meter
Typical readings:
| State | Watts |
|---|---|
| Charging | 100-1700W |
| Constant voltage | 35-100W |
| Balancing | 2.9-30W |
| Fully balanced | 1.3-2.7W |
ONYX 23Ah 72V Balancing Test
Steps:
- Fully charge battery
- Plug charger into outlet meter
- Wait 3 hours after green light
Results:
- 2.9-3.2W or higher -> balancing active
- ~0.5W steady -> no balancing
ONYX 23Ah 72V Discharge Test
- Ride to 69V
- Switch to Sport
- Full throttle from stop
Results:
- Cutoff ≥ 64V -> unbalanced
- Cutoff ≈ 60V -> healthy
Estimated balancing time:
| Cutoff voltage | Balance time |
|---|---|
| 62V | ~24 hours |
| 68V | ~48 hours |
| 74V | ~70 hours |
ONYX 23Ah 72V Disposal and End of Life
If cutoffs persist after proper balancing, the pack likely has failing cells.
Due to age and design, repair is usually not cost effective.
Contact your local waste management or DEP for lithium battery disposal guidance.