You can get this 48V ebike battery for less money than almost any 48V ebike battery available today. Check it out here.
The specs on this battery say it is 10.03" x 2.95" x 6.1" in size, and the weight is about 11 pounds. That is fairly small for a 48V 20AH pack.
The "form factor" for this battery is listed as "other" because the battery is contained in a PVC plastic case instead of being contained in a downtube or "shark" type design. That means this battery would be used for general purposes (as opposed to specifically for bikes), and may be referred to as a "universal power pack." The manufacturer indicates this battery is designed for 200W to 1000W systems, which is not enough power to run a large hub motor.
We keep track of plenty of other batteries in our ebike battery comparison table.
The manufacturer states the PVC shell is rated as IP65 (water and dust resistant), and therefore provides acceptable protection for this class of battery. The connectors provided on this battery include a T-Plug connector, along with a T-Plug to XT60 adapter. Both come in the packaging when purchased. A 54.6V 2A charger is included in the packaging. Self-discharge claims indicate that discharge rate is lower than 3 percent per month. The claim that self-discharge rate is below 3 percent per month cannot be verified until ownership of the product has been obtained. However, the stated self-discharge rate for this class of battery typically is around three percent per month.
BMS and Physical Protection
The BMS protects the battery from damage caused by several factors including overcharging, under-charging, over-current flow, excessive voltage levels, short circuits, and excessively high temperatures. All of these conditions are common dangers associated with lithium-ion packs, but not all manufacturers list their BMS features. In addition to the above mentioned protections, the BMS limits continuous current draw (which translates to continuous power delivery) to approximately 1440 Watts peak (assuming a 30 Amp maximum continuous output and 48V nominal voltage).
The PVC casing offers greater mechanical protection than an open-cell battery. While the PVC case will protect the battery somewhat from impact damage and vibrations, do not attempt to drop the battery from heights.
Range Estimates
As an estimate, based on the 960 Wh capacity, users can expect anywhere from 20 miles up to 40 miles of range. However, actual range estimates will depend upon terrain, rider weight, assist mode selected, and the motor's efficiency. Users who ride very lightly on relatively flat terrain with pedal assistance will likely achieve longer ranges (potentially close to 40 miles). Conversely, riders using heavy throttle input while riding on steep inclines will likely achieve shorter ranges (likely less than 20 miles). For most daily commuters, expect around 25 to 30 miles of practical range with moderate pedal assist.
Battery Chemistry and Charging
This battery contains lithium-ion chemistry with a nominal voltage rating of 48 volts (fully charged: approximately 54.6V). As such, the chemistry in this battery matches what most ebike controllers are expecting.
Included with purchase of this battery is a 2A charger capable of delivering 54.6V DC. Based on specifications provided by the manufacturer, it takes approximately five to six hours to charge the battery completely using this charger.
Who Would Buy This Battery?
Buyers looking for a low-cost ebike battery are likely the target audience for this particular model. Since this is a generic-branded product, buyers are essentially receiving the raw materials (the battery cells themselves and the PVC container they reside in) without contributing to advertising and marketing costs through branding. Other potential buyers may include people purchasing batteries for non-ebike related purposes (e.g., power tools, outdoor gear, solar energy storage systems). One advantage of this battery is its compact rectangular design allows for easy placement inside custom enclosures where space may be limited. For anyone building a custom battery box or mounting the pack inside a project enclosure, the rectangular shape is much easier to work with than oddly shaped downtube batteries.
One major drawback of purchasing this battery is that it lacks any customer reviews or ratings posted on Amazon at this point. Although new products may begin with no reviews due to having been recently added to online marketplaces, there is currently no feedback available to assess quality and performance. Customers have no option but to buy blind. For a first-time buyer this is worth considering carefully before committing to a purchase. Check our broader list of reviewed ebike batteries for alternatives with more user feedback.
Mounting Options
Customers with frames featuring traditional downtube-mounted battery holders will not be able to directly install this rectangular-shaped battery in those positions. To successfully install this rectangular-shaped battery onto a standard frame design requiring a downtube-style holder, customers will either need to mount the rectangular-shaped battery onto a rear rack or create their own custom mounting bracket. Prior to making a purchase decision, customers should measure their frames' dimensions to ensure compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this battery compatible with my Rad Power bike?
It depends on your mount. The battery itself is electrically compatible at 48V, but the rectangular PVC case won't fit standard Rad Power downtube mounts. You'd need a rear rack or custom mounting solution. Many Rad owners have successfully used this type of pack by building a simple mounting plate for the rear rack.
What charger does it use?
It comes with a 54.6V 2A charger, the standard for 48V lithium-ion packs. Charge time is about 5-6 hours from empty. It's not a fast charger, but the slow rate is actually better for long-term battery health and keeps the cells cooler during charging.
Can I use this for a 1000W motor?
The 30A BMS caps continuous output at about 1440W, so a 1000W motor on moderate throttle should work. Full throttle sustained draws might trip the BMS on steep hills. If you plan to run at full power for extended periods, consider a battery with a higher rated BMS or a larger capacity pack.
What connector does it use?
T-Plug (Anderson Powerpole compatible) out of the box. It also includes a T-Plug to XT60 adapter.
Does it fit in a standard battery case?
Not easily. This is a rectangular PVC pack, not a standard shark or downtube shape. Plan on rear rack mounting or a custom enclosure.
How long does shipping take?
Since it's a generic listing fulfilled by various sellers, shipping times vary. Check the listing for your specific seller's handling time.