ONYX RCR Temperatures

TLDR - ONYX RCR Temperatures

The stock ONYX controller at 5kW-6kW runs amazing with minimal cooling, but higher settings or a tuned Fardriver need Statorade and hubsinks, especially on steep climbs. Keep ONYX 41Ah battery limits at 100A line amps and 220A phase amps. Upgrading to a V4 QS 260 or QS 273 motor with 6 AWG phase wires helps with heat and amperage.

On a 77°F day with an 84V P45B battery, 205 V3Ti motor, Statorade, hubsinks, and an external controller at max settings with 80% field weakening, temps averaged 80°F (battery), 77°F (controller), and 118°F (motor).

Store and charge the battery between 50°F-86°F to prevent capacity loss. In hot weather, moving the controller outside helps handle higher amps. Motors should stay under 180°C (356°F), with 120°C (248°F) ideal. Neodymium magnets lose magnetism above 200°C (392°F). Managing heat ensures performance and longevity.

Target Temperatures

ONYX RCR Temperatures

With minimal cooling, the stock ONYX controller at 5kW-6kW performs amazing. However, with higher amperage settings or a high-tuned Fardriver, Statorade and hubsinks are essential for motor cooling, especially on steep climbs.

Fardrivers Controller Tune

Avoid tuning your Fardriver controller beyond the battery’s max amperage. For the ONYX 41Ah battery, the line amp limits are 100A and 220 phase amps. For steep climbs, upgrading to a 6 AWG phase wire V4 QS 260 or QS 273 motor helps manage temperature saturation and higher amperage more effectively.

My Average Temps

• ONYX Controller Qdash App

Temperature monitoring is key to maximizing power, though it can be challenging when riding with friends.

Here are my average temperatures on a 77°F day with a fully charged 84V P45B battery, 205 V3Ti, statorade, hubsinks, an externally mounted controller at max settings, 1-second acceleration time, and 80% field weakening, while riding hard through stop-and-go traffic down the avenues in Manhattan and the West Side Highway.

• ONYX Higher Volts & Field Weakening

Flux field weakening adjusts the ONYX motor’s timing to reduce Back-EMF, allowing more amperage at high RPMs. ONYX SPM hub motors typically gain ~30% higher top speed and improved acceleration.

Motor Temps

The ONYX neodymium magnets lose strength when exposed to high heat. Their magnetic properties weaken as the temperature increases, and if they exceed their maximum operating temperature (between 80°C to 200°C), they can suffer permanent loss of magnetism.

Permanent Magnet Reversible Loss

When heated but kept within safe limits, they temporarily lose some strength, which returns when they cool down.

Permanent Magnet High Heat

The outer hub permanent magnets in an ONYX motor are neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnets. Above 200°C (392°F), neodymium magnets begin to lose magnetism permanently, whereas samarium cobalt (SmCo) magnets withstand up to 350°C (662°F) before demagnetizing. If your ONYX motor frequently exceeds 150°C (302°F), performance degradation over time is likely.

• 120°C (248°F) for sustained operation.
• 150°C (302°F) as a caution zone.
• Above 180°C (356°F), the insulation and magnets risk permanent damage.

Battery Temps

For optimal longevity and performance, ideally charge and store an ONYX battery between 50°F and 86°F. Refer to the temperature ranges in the table below for best practices. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can degrade the electrolyte and accelerate capacity loss. Extreme cold can lead to electrolyte freezing and battery degradation over time.

Battery Below Freezing Temperatures

The battery can operate in freezing temperatures, though it will lose some range, but it shouldn’t be stored below 32°F for more than 3 hours, as this can cause irreversible cell damage.

Controller Temps

In 85°F+ weather, external controller placement is needed for the stock controller to handle higher amperage settings.