Battery Range Advancements
This post aims to help you understand batteries that offer greater range. The idea of a large-capacity, low-quality battery providing more range simply doesn’t hold true. That’s why it’s crucial to distinguish between two batteries with identical capacities but significantly different ranges.
2024 has been revolutionary for battery technology, with major advancements in capacity and prices dropping by half. As many original ONYX batteries age out, ONYX Motors’ release of the 45Ah battery aligns perfectly with this year’s cutting-edge technology.
Battery Safety and Storage
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with ONYX battery safety and storage practices.
Battery Dimensions
Using batteries like the Molicel P50B and Samsung 50S, both rated at 5000mAh, the maximum battery size that fits under the stock wood battery cover of an ONYX RCR is 45Ah. Any battery exceeding 45Ah that fits under the stock wood cover compromises build quality and safety.
- Larger capacity batteries requiring a custom 3D-printed cover are available with a protective metal case. Those without a protective metal case should be avoided, as they compromise both build quality and safety.
Maximize Range
The range of the ONYX RCR is a fascinating topic, best understood by considering that it’s a powerful electric bike. Range depends on factors like battery quality, throttle habits, battery care, and whether you’re riding at top speed or tackling steep hills.
- Pro Tip: To maximize range during your commute, ease the throttle gently to reach 5 mph when the traffic light turns green, then gradually increase throttle. Hard acceleration from a stop consumes significantly more energy.
- A stationary object requires more energy to start moving than an object already in motion, as it must overcome inertia and gain kinetic energy to initiate movement.
Understanding Battery Range
The table below compares the Samsung 50S and Samsung 50E cells, both offering the same capacity. The Samsung 50S provides noticeably greater range due to its higher discharge rate and enhanced performance in temperature management and minimizing voltage sag compared to the Samsung 50E.
| Battery Cells | Capacity | Constant | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung 50S | 5000mAh | 25A | 45A |
| Samsung 50E | 5000mAh | 9.8A | 14.7A |
Range is Influenced by Cells and Build
A battery’s range is influenced by the individual cells it uses and the quality of the batteries construction (build). Even with a high-performance cell like the Molicel P50B, poor battery construction (build)-such as hot spots, small busbars, undersized wires, low-quality welds, poorly arranged plating, or excessively thin materials-can hinder the cell’s ability to deliver power efficiently while introducing unnecessary risks.
Unsuitable Cells
- The Samsung 50E is unsuitable for an ONYX as it fails to meet the expected performance standards due to its poor voltage sag and discharge temperatures.
Amp Hour Capacity
A 60Ah battery built with Samsung 50S cells will offer noticeably greater range, power, and longevity compared to a 60Ah battery constructed with Samsung 50E cells.
Cells and Build
When evaluating a battery build, both the choice of cells and the overall construction are equally important. Always consider both the cell and the build.
- Cell: The individual cells that make up the battery.
- Build: The quality of the battery’s construction surrounding the cells.
Battery Cells Age
All grade-A lithium battery cells naturally age over time, even while sitting on the shelf, and are typically downgraded to A- rating after three years. This aging process is separate from charge cycles.
The Right Battery Cells
Battery cells ideal for an ONYX should exhibit excellent temperature management, longevity, minimal sag, and strong performance in both testing and real-world use.
| Battery Cell | Year | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung 50S | 2024 | Range |
| Molicel P45B | 2024 | Racing |
| Molicel P50B | 2024 | Range & Racing |
| EVE 40P | 2024 | Racing |
| JP40 | 2024 | Racing |
| Tenpower 50SG | 2024 | Range & Racing |
These cells have poor temperature management, significant sag, and limited longevity, making them unsuitable for an ONYX and best avoided.
The Wrong Battery Cells
- All 18650 and 21700 Cells Manufactured Before 2020
- Samsung 50E
- LG M50
- LG HG2
- Boston Swingcell (All)
- Off-Brand Cells
- Recycled Cells
- Mismatched Battery Cells
- Battery Cells from Amazon
- Battery Cells from Alibaba
Misleading Battery Practices
High Capacity Batteries
Using unqualified cells like the Samsung 50E, combined with poor construction in large-capacity batteries of 50Ah or more, such as 60Ah or 70Ah, allows some aftermarket builders to market these inferior builds as range or race batteries for the ONYX RCR. While these large batteries may seem functional initially, their shortcomings in quality, power, and range become apparent with extended use.
- Larger battery builds over 50Ah allow aftermarket builders to disguise substandard cells and builds, benefiting their profit margins and marketing efforts.
Not Custom Batteries
Some aftermarket battery builders buy cells in bulk and mislead customers into thinking they’re getting a custom choice, when in reality, the decision was predetermined. This is often done to push bulk-purchased cells that offered the best deal to the builder.
Shelf Batteries
The Molicel P42A battery was released on November 1, 2020. Aftermarket customers often buy Molicel P42A cells without realizing that older cells, even if unused, degrade to A- grade after sitting on the shelf for three years.
Battery Switch
It’s not uncommon for aftermarket battery builders to switch cells, which is why these batteries are subject to greater scrutiny, and maintaining strong relationships with trusted builders is crucial.