A 30Ah pack at 48V stores 1440Wh, and batteries that big usually cost well beyond this one. The Varstrom 48V 30Ah battery pairs big 5000mAh cells with a 40A BMS and a USB port in a plain rectangle you bolt to the frame or a rack. The included charger is slow and the pack is heavy. If you want range more than you want a light bike, this is the deal.
Specs and Value
The foundation of the 1440Wh is made possible through the use of 5000mAh cells. Cells of higher capacity typically contain higher grade materials to store more energy per volume. This means the battery will last longer before needing to be charged again.
The brains of the operation is the 40A Battery Management System. The BMS monitors the flow of electrical energy both in and out of each cell. If the motor attempts to pull too much current, the BMS will reduce or eliminate power to the motor to protect it from damage. That prevents the cells from failing under extreme loads.
With a rating of 48V, this pack has enough power to provide a sustained 1440W to a motor continuously drawing 30A of current. Peak demand may require up to 1920W, allowing compatibility with motors capable of producing no more than 1500W. Some listings indicate the battery may support motors rated up to 2000W, but sticking to 1500W is generally recommended for safe longevity.
The kit includes a 54.6V 2A charger. This is considered a slow charger for a battery of its size. To fully charge from empty to full will take approximately 15 hours. Waiting fifteen hours for your battery to recharge can be inconvenient, especially if you forget to connect it overnight. If you prefer a quicker recharge, you will need to purchase a separate charger that supports a higher rate.
The battery includes an XT60 conversion cable. This provides flexibility if your motor does not utilize the standard XT60 connector. You will not need additional adapters to begin using the pack. The kit also includes a battery case and a bottom bracket mount. These mounts allow you to attach the pack to your bicycle in multiple locations.
Design and Mounting
This battery measures 15.5 inches in length, 3.74 inches in width, and 6.14 inches in height. This is a significant size. You cannot just conceal this on a compact frame triangle. This battery is designed for attachment via a frame-mounted configuration or via a rear rack configuration. Using the rear rack mount causes the weight of the pack to shift towards the rear of the bike. As a result, the bike will tend to feel slightly unstable in corners.
Vibration-dampening pads are provided by the manufacturer. Lithium cells are sensitive to constant shock from vibration caused by traveling over rough terrain. The internal connections could become loose over time without these pads. The battery's enclosure is waterproof and protects the electronic components from rain and water spray. It is not rated for submersion. Keep it out of deep puddles.
The battery case contains a theft-resistant lock with keys. Theft of the battery is prevented once locked, since a thief cannot simply slide the case off your bike. The lock stops a grab-and-run, not a determined thief with tools. There is also a universal USB port located on one side of the battery case. This enables you to charge your smartphone during extended rides while running GPS navigation. An LED display shows the remaining capacity of the battery. This eliminates uncertainty regarding when you will run out of power.
Long Distance Range and Output
The primary marketing advantage of this pack is the 1440Wh capacity. Based upon an average draw of 200W, you could travel greater than seven hours on this pack. You will experience reduced times based upon your weight and the inclines you encounter while riding. The 30Ah capacity minimizes the decrease in voltage while pulling heavy currents compared to smaller packs. Cheaper packs can lose efficiency when pushed. This pack utilizes 5000mAh cells, which maintain consistent levels of power flow regardless of remaining capacity.
The maximum power output available from this pack is determined by the 40A BMS. A 1500W motor at 48 volts requires about 31 amps, well below the maximum allowable current of 40 amps from the BMS. You are able to ascend steep hills without having the pack shut off due to excessive current draw. A lower-rated 20A BMS, such as that found in several other packs on the market, would likely cause your motor to cut out while climbing.
This pack is suitable for ebikes that employ high-torque motor designs. The trade-off is weight. The pack weighs significantly more than smaller batteries, and you will notice that when you lift the bike onto a rack or carry it up stairs.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
The buyer base for this product is small. Only 26 ratings exist on Amazon right now, and the average is 4.6 stars. Eighty-six percent of all buyers gave it five stars. Since there are so few buyers currently posting reviews, we cannot determine what failures may occur after two years of usage based on reviewer experiences alone.
Many reviewers comment positively about achieving advertised ranges and the ease of mounting. Several reviewers noted that this pack exceeded expectations regarding its actual size relative to other packs they have purchased previously. A few flagged how large it is in person. Most reviews appear to be favorable, but consider the small base of reviewers when you weigh these ratings. You can line this pack up against every other option on our ebike battery comparison table.
Who Should Buy This
You should consider purchasing this pack if you plan to ride long distances frequently, such as commuting daily. Its 1440Wh capacity will allow you sufficient range without requiring nightly charges. Consider this pack if you build ebikes with powerful motors up to 1500W. The 40A BMS will ensure that your battery can handle the increased current requirements of your motor. If you require a USB port to charge your phone during long-distance travel and want a lock around your battery, this pack is a strong candidate.
Do not purchase this pack if you want a lightweight ebike. Due to its considerable weight and dimensions, attaching this pack will alter the center of gravity on your frame and affect handling. Do not purchase this pack if you require rapid charging, or if you primarily ride short distances. A smaller 15Ah or 20Ah pack would be lighter and cheaper. More background on sizing and chemistry is in our battery guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does The Included Charger Take?
The included 54.6V 2A charger takes roughly 15 hours to refill the 30Ah pack from empty. A third-party 4A or 5A charger cuts that to around six to eight hours if you supply one yourself.
Which Motors Does It Work With?
The listing supports 250W through 1500W motors at 48V. The pack ships with an XT60 connector plus a conversion cable, so non-XT60 controllers can be wired in without buying separate adapters.
Is The Battery Waterproof?
The casing is water resistant and protects the electronics from rain and spray. It is not rated for submersion. Keep it out of deep puddles and do not pressure-wash the pack.
Can It Charge My Phone?
Yes. A universal USB port on the case lets you top up a phone or GPS unit while you ride or while the pack sits idle.
How Does It Mount To The Bike?
You get a battery case, a bottom bracket mount and keys. Most builders bolt it inside a large frame triangle or to a rear rack tray, with anti-vibration pads included to protect the cells.
What Is The Realistic Range?
At a steady 200W draw you should see more than seven hours of runtime. Heavy throttle on a 1500W build pulls closer to 30 amps, which cuts runtime substantially. Pedal assist stretches the total significantly.
Check current availability and price of the Varstrom 48V 30Ah battery on Amazon.