The Varstrom 52V 20Ah is a shark-style downtube battery that contains 1040 watt-hours of energy inside a waterproof housing utilizing Samsung cells. In addition to a waterproof housing, the Varstrom 52V 20Ah also features a 3A charger that will allow for quicker charging times than the typical 2A units that are provided with most batteries. The Varstrom 52V 20Ah also features a key lock, an LED battery indicator, and an XT60 discharge connector with a conversion cable for bikes that utilize a different plug.
The Varstrom 52V 20Ah is compatible with motors up to 2000W and thus can be utilized in conjunction with conversion kits from Bafang, Voilamart, AW, Ebikeling, and similar companies. Varstrom is a company that produces ebike batteries in multiple configurations including multiple voltages and capacities of the 48V and 52V platforms. This particular configuration utilizes the shark (also called hailong) style and mounts along the downtube of the bike frame.
Specs and Value
The core specs are 52 volts nominal, 20 amp-hours, for a total of 1040Wh of energy storage. Samsung cells are used within the Varstrom 52V 20Ah battery. Samsung cells are a major improvement over the generic, unbranded cells commonly found in many competitor packs at the same price point. Samsung cells are well-known for providing a consistent level of capacity, reliable performance while being loaded, and longer life cycles compared to generic cells.
Physical specs
The Varstrom 52V 20Ah is a shark or hailong style, downtube mounted battery and comes in a waterproof case. Not all aftermarket batteries provide a waterproof case and this adds another layer of protection for riders that commute through wet weather conditions. The Varstrom 52V 20Ah comes with a 3A charger that is faster than the standard 2A chargers that are included with most batteries and allows for approximately 7 hours for a full charge from empty.
The Varstrom 52V 20Ah utilizes a 6-pin battery plate to attach to the frame. As such, it is designed to fit shark-style mounting plates. Included with the purchase of the Varstrom 52V 20Ah battery are the battery case, bottom bracket mount, safety lock keys, and charger. A conversion cable is also included for riders whose motor setup utilizes a different type of connector than the XT60 that comes standard.
BMS and motor range
The built-in BMS of the Varstrom 52V 20Ah provides overcharge protection, over-discharge protection, short circuit protection, and overcurrent protection. The Varstrom 52V 20Ah is rated for motors up to 2000W, which supports everything from small hub motors for commuter ebikes to larger conversion kits like the Bafang BBSHD. To support a 2000W motor, the BMS would require approximately 38 amps of continuous output.
Varstrom indicates that every battery goes through quality control checks prior to shipping including an external examination of the product and functional testing. According to Varstrom, each battery is capable of enduring over 1000 charge and discharge cycles, though the product description states that the number of cycles depends on usage conditions. Either way, there will likely be a considerable amount of battery life left after a few years of regular riding.
Form Factor and Compatibility
The shark or hailong style is perhaps the most common form factor of aftermarket ebike batteries. The battery slides onto a mounting plate attached to the downtube of the bike frame and is secured with a key lock.
The Varstrom 52V 20Ah is specifically indicated to be compatible with conversion kits from Bafang, Voilamart, AW, Ebikeling, and other similar brands. The 2000W rating allows for compatibility with conversion kits in the 1000W to 2000W range. Additionally, the inclusion of a conversion cable for the XT60 connector allows for versatility in terms of compatibility with various systems.
Prior to purchasing the Varstrom 52V 20Ah, verify that your controller can accept 52V. The fully charged voltage of a 52V battery is 58.8V, which exceeds the safe operating limits of some 48V-only controllers. If your controller accepts 48V to 52V (in some cases denoted as 48V/52V compatible), then you are good to go. If your controller only accepts 48V, the Varstrom 52V 20Ah may damage your controller. Additionally, ensure that the shark-style mounting plate is compatible with your frame geometry as some frames may not provide sufficient space along the downtube.
Real-World Range
At 1040Wh, the Varstrom 52V 20Ah is at the high end of single-battery configurations. On a 750W motor with minimal to moderate pedal assistance on flat terrain, 40 to 55 miles per charge is a reasonable estimate. On a 1000W or 1500W motor with frequent throttle usage on varied terrain, estimates would be 25 to 40 miles. Even on a 2000W setup, the 1040Wh capacity would still provide a sufficient range for decent-sized rides.
On a daily commuting basis, with round-trip distances ranging from 15 to 30 miles, the Varstrom 52V 20Ah should provide enough juice for a full work week on a couple of charges. The 52V platform also provides slightly increased efficiency from the same motor compared to a 48V platform, resulting in a few additional miles per charge. Check our comparison table to compare the Varstrom 52V 20Ah to other 52V configurations based on price per watt-hour.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
The Varstrom 52V 20Ah has a perfect 5.0 star rating based on 2 reviews on Amazon. Although the reviews are limited to 2, both reviewers had a positive experience with the Varstrom 52V 20Ah battery.
One reviewer purchased the Varstrom 52V 20Ah as a replacement battery after the connector on his original battery was damaged. He noted that the Varstrom 52V 20Ah allowed him to get back out on the bike and that he rides it daily. He noted that it was worth the money. The review highlights a common use case for this battery, replacing a damaged or worn-out factory pack on an existing ebike.
Although the number of reviews is too low to make assumptions about long term reliability, the 5-star rating and positive experience of the daily commuter is a great starting point. Varstrom also sells other configurations of batteries on Amazon and they appear to receive very positive comments from customers.
Who Should Buy This
The Varstrom 52V 20Ah is a suitable option for riders that are converting an ebike to accommodate a 52V battery configuration or for those that are looking to replace a battery on their existing 52V ebike. The Samsung cells used in the Varstrom 52V 20Ah provide a higher-quality baseline compared to generic cells used in most competing aftermarket batteries. The 3A charger reduces the amount of time required to charge the battery compared to the standard 2A chargers used with most batteries, and the waterproof case increases durability and protects the battery from the elements for riders that commute in rain.
The Varstrom 52V 20Ah is especially suited for riders that plan to build a conversion kit using components from Bafang, Voilamart, AW, Ebikeling, and other similar brands in the 750W to 1000W range, although its 2000W motor rating will accommodate more powerful builds as well. The 365-day repair or replace warranty and 30-day return window provide the buyer with greater confidence in their purchase.
This battery is not an appropriate choice for riders that require a 48V or 36V battery. With only 2 reviews on Amazon, long-term reliability information is still lacking. However, for riders seeking a high-capacity 52V shark-style battery that includes Samsung cells and a faster charger at a competitive price per watt-hour, the Varstrom 52V 20Ah should be considered. Compare it to other options on our battery comparison table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cells does the Varstrom 52V 20Ah use? The Varstrom 52V 20Ah battery uses Samsung cells, which are produced by one of the world's largest and most respected manufacturers of lithium battery cells. Samsung cells generally provide more consistent levels of capacity, better performance under load, and longer life cycles compared to generic unbranded cells.
What connector type does the Varstrom 52V 20Ah use? The Varstrom 52V 20Ah battery utilizes an XT60 connector, which is one of the most common and reliable connectors used in the ebike industry. If your motor or controller uses a different connector, Varstrom supplies a conversion cable to enable the connector to match your system.
How long does the Varstrom 52V 20Ah take to charge? Using the supplied 3A charger, the Varstrom 52V 20Ah should take approximately 7 hours to reach a full charge from empty. This is significantly less time than the 10 to 12 hour charge times associated with the typical 2A chargers included with most batteries. Since most riders do not completely drain the battery before recharging, actual charge times will be less.
Can I use the 52V Varstrom 20Ah on my 48V ebike? Only if your controller is capable of accepting 52V. Many 48V controllers can handle 52V (check for a 48V/52V compatible label), but some strictly 48V controllers cannot safely handle the higher voltage, which peaks at 58.8V when fully charged. Verify your controller specifications before purchasing.
Is the Varstrom 52V 20Ah waterproof? The Varstrom 52V 20Ah battery is contained in a waterproof case, protecting the unit from rain and wet roads. This is a great feature for commuters that ride in the rain. However, do not attempt to submerge the battery or expose it to excessive amounts of heavy water exposure.
What warranty does Varstrom offer? Varstrom provides a 365-day repair or replacement warranty and a 30-day return window. This is a more comprehensive warranty than many competing aftermarket batteries, providing the purchaser with added confidence in their purchase.