When deciding whether to purchase a high-performance replacement battery capable of providing a minimum of 50 miles of additional range, you may wish to consider the Varstrom 48V 25Ah e-bike battery. This battery offers 1200Wh of energy storage in a downtube design package. The Varstrom 48V 25Ah has a 40A Smart BMS. The Varstrom 48V 25Ah e-bike battery is designed for the rider who wants maximum range and is willing to spend less on a high-quality lithium ion battery.
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Varstrom has made a name for itself within the e-bike industry by manufacturing a variety of different lithium ion batteries used by ebikes. This 48V 25Ah is one of the largest packages offered by Varstrom.
Specs and Build Quality
Each cell in the Varstrom 48V 25Ah Lithium Ion E-Bike battery contains 5000 mAh of energy. The battery has a minimum lifespan of 1000 charge/discharge cycles. Each cell group can store approximately 1200Wh of energy. The 348 x 96 x 156 mm (approximately 14.1 x 3.8 x 6.14 inch) size of the battery will easily fit inside most standard downtube mounts. The battery will work with most electric bike motors ranging in size from 500W to 1800W. The battery has an LED battery level indicator located on the side. Users do not have to remove the battery from their bicycle or retrieve a phone to determine their remaining battery life. Instead, they can simply glance at the LED lights on the side of the battery.
Users seem to be satisfied with build quality based on user reports. The casing around the cells is a hard plastic that appears to be durable. In addition, the mounting bracket is constructed from metal and has a solid feel to it. Once the lock is engaged, there is virtually no play in either direction. Two keys are provided with the battery and are included in the original packaging. See the Varstrom 48V 25Ah listing on Amazon for the full spec sheet.
The Varstrom 48V 25Ah battery utilizes a 3A fast charger. Most budget lithium ion batteries ship with a single-speed charger that charges at a speed of 2A. While this is sufficient for many applications, it results in slower charging times when attempting to top off a nearly charged battery. Since the Varstrom ships with a fast charger, users will enjoy shorter charging times when using this product.
BMS and Safety Features
One of the best aspects of the Varstrom 48V 25Ah battery is the inclusion of a 40 Amp Smart BMS. A battery management system (BMS) acts as the "brain" for any lithium ion battery and regulates various functions including charge/discharge limits, temperature sensing, and cell balancing. The BMS protects both the user and the battery from potential damage due to overcharging, over-discharging, over-current conditions, and short circuits.
So, what exactly does this mean for the user? Simply stated, the BMS is able to regulate the amount of power drawn from the battery by a high-wattage motor such as 1000 Watts or 1500 Watts. Many budget lithium ion batteries contain BMS units that are insufficiently powerful to prevent a shutdown during rapid draws such as hill climbing or aggressive acceleration.
The Varstrom 48V 25Ah is compatible with motors in sizes ranging from 500 Watts up to 1800 Watts. The ability of the BMS to deliver up to 40 Amps of current provides sufficient current to support operation of these higher power motors without causing them to shut down.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
As of today, this item has received four and a half stars from twenty-six customer reviewers. All but one reviewer praised the range achieved by this battery. There were several reviewers that reported achieving ranges near thirty-five miles, forty-two miles, and fifty-one miles using moderate assistance settings. Some reviewers noted that they were able to exceed sixty miles on low-assistance settings.
Several reviewers mentioned that they felt that they were receiving tremendous value for the cost of this battery. They compared prices for identical specifications among branded products and found that this was one-third the cost of a comparable product. One of the advantages of purchasing this product is that it includes a three amp fast charger in place of the typical two amp charger provided with many budget lithium ion batteries. This allows for quicker recharge times between uses.
Several reviewers commented on the fact that this battery is somewhat larger than expected. However, every reviewer acknowledged that an additional ten pounds added to a bike will rarely cause a problem unless you are extremely concerned about maximizing weight loss. Every reviewer noted that the locking mechanism worked perfectly and was simple to engage and disengage.
Several reviewers noted that this battery mounted quickly onto their downtubes without requiring any modifications. Several reviewers cautioned that you should always verify compatibility prior to placing an order.
Who Is This Battery For?
This battery is ideal for any person who needs maximum range capability. If you have a daily commute that exceeds fifteen miles each way or if you prefer to travel farther without fear of running out of charge then this battery will provide ample reserve energy. You can compare current pricing on Amazon to see how it stacks up.
Additionally, this battery is suitable for individuals operating higher powered motors. The 40 Amp BMS is large enough to allow for operation of higher-powered motors (i.e., 1000 Watts, 1500 Watts). The smart BMS also maintains optimal balance across individual cells during charging. Therefore, if you plan on maintaining usage beyond 1000+ charge/discharge cycles you will benefit greatly from this function.
If you require minimal range or if weight is a major consideration for your bike, then a smaller pack would likely provide better performance. Lastly, although this is not one of the least expensive options available on the market, considering what you receive for your dollar (a total of 1200Wh) this is an exceptionally reasonable offer.
You may find additional options listed here by accessing our ebike battery comparison page. Additionally, we have written multiple articles regarding reviews and guidance for purchasing lithium ion batteries for ebikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motors is this battery compatible with?
The Varstrom 48V 25Ah is compatible with motors in sizes ranging from 500 Watts up to 1800 Watts. The 40 Amp BMS provides sufficient current to support operation of these higher power motors without causing them to shut down.
How long does the battery take to charge?
Using the supplied 3A fast charger, it typically takes six to eight hours to fully charge the battery from zero percent state-of-charge. This is faster than the 2A chargers that ship with many budget packs.
Will this battery fit my bike?
Based upon the documented dimensions, the length-width-height measurements of the Varstrom 48V 25Ah are approximately 348 x 96 x 156 mm. Therefore, it should fit inside your standard downtube mount location without modification. Always verify compatibility with your specific bike before ordering.
Does the battery come with a charger?
Yes. The battery ships with a 3A fast charger. Most budget lithium ion batteries ship with a 2A charger, so the included fast charger is a welcome upgrade that shortens charging times.
How far can I ride on a full charge?
Reviewers reported real-world ranges near 35 to 51 miles using moderate assistance settings, and some exceeded 60 miles on low-assistance settings. Actual range depends on motor wattage, rider weight, terrain, and assist level.
Is the battery waterproof?
The battery is designed for typical ebike use with a durable hard plastic case and sealed construction. As with any ebike battery, avoid submerging it and protect it from heavy, sustained rain exposure where possible.
Check our gear review comparison for more options.