The ZLSHELIBK 52V 31.8Ah Ebike Battery is a 1654Wh triangle pack built for riders who think 1000Wh builds are small time. An 80A BMS feeds motors up to 4000W without the voltage sag that cripples cheaper packs at full throttle. The trade is an 8-hour charge on the 4A charger and a frame that must fit its bulk. With triangle space and a 52V-rated controller, that is more range than most builds will ever burn.
Specifications and Value
This pack is powered by an 80A Battery Management System (BMS). Most of the after-market packs you find online use a BMS with a limit of either 30A or 50A. When you hit the gas and ask for more power than the BMS can deliver, the motor doesn't get what it needs. Since this pack has an 80A BMS, it can supply up to 4160 watts at 52 volts. So you can hook it up to 4000W motors, or dual motor set ups, and never worry about the battery getting hot or shutting off early.
The pack lists for 1654Wh, which is a huge amount of usable energy for something you can carry around. The 4A charger is slow, you can expect a full recharge to take roughly 8 hours. In exchange for slower charging, you get more range.
The cells used in the construction of this pack are Grade A imported cells that claim to last more than 1000 cycles. While that number is important, there is another number that is even more important: voltage loss over time. Quality cells generally maintain a better voltage curve over their life span than lower-cost cells.
Included with the pack is an XT90 discharge port and also Anderson and XT60 adapter cables to provide options for wiring. No splicing or soldering is required to adapt the battery to match your existing controller. An IP65-rated plastic enclosure protects the interior electronics from moisture and debris. For cyclists who rarely enjoy good weather for their commute, that kind of protection is essential. Our Battery Comparison Table compares all available packs by cost per wh, and this one should be right at the top.
The Shape of Things: Triangle Design & Mounting Options
In order to sit inside the main triangle of a bicycle frame, the shape of this pack was chosen to be a triangle. The pack measures 15.75 x 8.62 x 13.58 inches. That is quite a large piece of equipment and therefore must be measured very accurately. The requirements for mounting the pack include: 1) a top tube length of at least 17", 2) a seat tube length of at least 14" and 3) a down tube length of at least 20". If any of those requirements are not met, the pack won't fit.
Installation includes strapping the pack to your frame, which reviewers reported was simple. Additionally, due to being placed centrally within the frame and low on the bike, it significantly aids in maintaining balance when cornering versus packing that same amount of weight on a rack.
Putting the pack directly in the center of the frame is the correct way to do things with high-capacity packs such as this one. By doing so, it maintains a low and steady center of mass, thereby making it easier to control when cornering. On the flip-side, placing that type of weight on a rack can cause the bike to become unstable and difficult to steer. Although this adds some bulk to the frame triangle, the plastic shell is sturdy enough. Another perk is a USB port on the side of the pack, allowing you to charge your phone while traveling. As far as travel perks go, it is a minor thing. However, it is still a useful addition.
Actual Ranges and Performance
Range estimates vary from 31 miles to 74 miles based upon how aggressive you ride. Using a 1000W motor with minimal pedal assist while riding on flat ground can result in ranges of anywhere from 50 miles to 70 miles. The reason for this great range is due to the enormous reserve of energy contained within the pack - 1654 Wh - giving you a vast pool of energy to pull from before your voltage falls below acceptable levels.
However, if you tend to ride aggressively (heavy throttle or frequently climb steep inclines), that range will likely fall somewhere between 25 miles and 45 miles. Even though the pack has incredible range potential at low amps (due to its massive capacitance), the high amp rating keeps your voltage relatively constant under heavy loads. Therefore, you avoid that awful "power sag" that ruins performance at the end of a trip using cheaper packs.
Anybody familiar with electric bicycles knows that higher voltages are superior to lower ones. A 48V system typically loses significant amounts of voltage quickly once depleted. Conversely, this 52V pack maintains a much larger portion of its original voltage for much longer periods than similar packs. Maintaining those additional few volts greatly enhances overall performance by providing additional torque when your pack is nearing depletion.
What Amazon Reviewers Think About This Product
Currently, this product is holding a solid 5-star rating from only 11 reviewers, admittedly a tiny sampling group, but all reviews are overwhelmingly positive. One reviewer provided evidence that the actual capacity listed by Amazon was indeed accurate at 32Ah. He stated that he had recently installed his new ebike battery onto his mountain ebike with a whopping 3000W motor and that it fits perfectly (with virtually zero play). Several reviewers commented positively on the build quality stating that the strapping method securely holds the pack tightly in-place despite any vibration experienced during normal operation.
There were no comments from reviewers regarding failure of the BMS nor did any reviewers state that their battery suddenly shut off unexpectedly. Due to lack of comments from reviewers relative to long-term durability of those Grade A cells we cannot comment as yet whether they live up to their promised expectations. At present however early impressions are very favorable concerning high-power builds.
Who Should Purchase This Unit
Purchase this unit if you plan on creating a high-powered ebike and require a battery capable of supplying enough current to support your high-wattage motor(s). Perfect for commuters requiring maximum mileage capability and willing to sacrifice fast-charging capabilities for increased mileage.
Do not purchase this unit if you own a bike utilizing a standard (only) 48V controller. The manufacturer clearly states in their description that their battery charges to approximately 58.8 Volts - obviously too dangerous for use in conjunction with standard (only) 48V controllers - could potentially destroy electronic components in your bike's controller.
Additionally, if you have a small bike frame that does not meet the minimum frame dimension requirements (top tube = minimum of 17"), (seat tube = minimum of 14") and (down tube = minimum of 20"), then this unit will not fit your frame.
Finally, if you merely desire an ultra-lightweight battery for quick short trips. Then this unit will be too heavy for your needs.
For those interested in more hands-on reviews and tutorials please visit our Blog Page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of connector does it use?
The discharge port has an XT-90 connector. Adapter cables are also included for both Anderson and XT-60 connectors so there will be no additional purchases required to connect this battery to many other motor controllers.
How long does it take to charge?
It takes about 8 hours from completely dead (empty) using the included 4A charger. This is the price for having 31.8Ah of storage. Since most riders would recharge their packs well before they reach empty, actual time spent charging will likely be less than 8 hours.
Does it fit on my frame?
Only if you have enough space available. ZLSHELIBK provides minimum frame dimensions as follows: top tube 17", seat tube 14" and down tube 20". Make sure to measure these prior to placing order.
Can I use it on my 48V ebike?
You may only do so provided your controller accepts 52V input. The full 52V pack voltage is approximately 58.8V when fully charged. This could damage a controller rated at 48V only.
Is it compatible with all types of motors?
Yes, but only as specified by the seller. The specifications cover 500W through 4000W motors. Mid drives. Large hub motors and dual-motor configurations. The 80 Amp BMS provides the necessary "head room" for the larger motors.
How much does it weigh?
ZLSHELIBK does not provide an approximate weight. A typical 31.8 Ah triangle-shaped plastic-case battery weighs anywhere from 15 lbs to 20 lbs, and one reviewer described it as "very heavy."