How far can an Ebike TRULY go?
There are a lot of claims about range that seem to be unrealistic, however, this issue is NOT only because some people may be dishonest. The problem with range can be complicated due to many factors. Below we will explore the main factors why the range of an Ebike, in theory (as stated in specs sheet), may not be truly reflective of the actual distance it can travel in reality (in practice).
The main factor is that ‘why’ range can be misleading is because on the specs sheet offered by the manufacturer, the numbers that are meant to represent the true value (qualities) of the functionality, may be estimated.
Factors of Range
Most manufacturers will answer the question of range (what is the range of an Ebike) with an answer that itself provides a range (they claim the range of an Ebike is between 40-60km for example). This answer is true and valid because there are an unknown number of factors that can make the same Ebike go further or less depending on following factors:
1) the terrain (incline decline), 2)riders weight and load carry (how much downward force is being imposed on the Ebike during it’s forward acceleration), and finally, 3) how fast or slow an Ebike is going in relation to how much the rider is aiding (helping) the Ebike with natural physical force such as pedalling along with the gear level of the pedalling.
Misconceptions about Range
All these factors above contribute to answer the question of range. Provide the question of range with an answer that gives a range. It is not just ironic, but also logically valid, that the question of range, is itself a range. The answer and the question presuppose the same principle, i.e., range is the topic hitherto.
There is a discrepancy that naturally arises between the seller of e-bikes and the buyer of the ebike concerning the features of the ebike and their true performance.
Battery Sticker
The seller in most cases represents what is displayed by the manufacturer. The manufacturer provides technical specifications (sheet) normally coming in the form of a sticker placed onto the battery of the Ebike.
The battery sticker possess technical specifications about the capacity of the battery. The capacity of the battery is determined by the number of cells in a circuit, and the quality of the chemical compounds stored within each cell. More superficial aspects (qualities) of the battery includes points of connections, like charging port, bottom or wire connection to bike, locking and/or ignition mechanism of battery.
These areas are more prone to damage caused by wear and tear after time, and normally the repair is often simple yet time consuming. However, the performance of the battery is mostly determined by quality. However, it is unclear as to what is considered quality or not?
Quality of Battery
What determines a quality battery? Is it the parts used, the way it is built etc… Presumably, the common opinion is that branded name cells provide a more reliable result, as the means of measure and testing are more rigorous and consistent. While that is true in the case of providing a healthier, more long term battery, that may be safer in handling extreme use, or might fare better under extreme conditions.
You cannot necessarily say that just because it may perform better for a prolonged period of time (longevity), that is equal to say it therefore produces greater range (performance). The total lifetime of the battery does not determine the range (distance) it may provide. Therefore the question of quality is complicated by this factor.
The issue of the quality of an Ebike (meaning its safety standards) does not necessarily make it a battery that provides longer range. The quality of Range alone, I.e., how far the battery can go, is a topic independent, and different from how well it may be built. If the quality of the battery does not necessarily determine the range that the battery gives, then what does? The answer is more brute and rudimentary.
A deeper investigation into the issue of range with e-bikes
The future of Range
Everyday competitive Ebike brands and models are aiming to solve the issue with range. The reason why range is a complicated issue concerning ebikes is because the size of the battery alone does not solve the problem. The easy answer should be, a bigger battery means longer range.
While it is true that bigger batteries possess higher AH and therefore greater capacity for longer travel, the AH alone is NOT the only factor, but is part of a system that constitutes the totality of the batteries performance. The consumer however fixates on that one aspect alone as if it will provide an accurate measure of range, however the same measure itself may bring about different results. For example, the volt in relation to AH determines the amount of energy consumed, I.e., the higher the volts the faster the battery drains.
The other most important measure that actually provides the best estimate of “rated energy”, look for Wh on the battery sticker. The “watt hour” is the amount of energy the motor consumes and this can determine the level of consumption form the battery, and therefore the range of how far it can go given the extent of consumption.
Alongside these above direct effects on AH by voltage, there are also more important indirect factors, such as the most important one of them all, the factor of weight.
Battery Weight
Currently, there are new models coming out with extreme claims of higher AH. There are bikes that claim to possess 60Ah batteries, and the size of the battery appears huge and gigantic. In this sense, there are a few problems that naturally arise with the battery being so massive in size, not just that it appears Aesthetically unpleasant.
The bigger the battery does NOT necessarily mean the better the battery. The size of the battery has to match the ratio of the weight and rated energy capacity. Al those factors must be balanced together to actualize the best performance.
The battery is also extremely heavy, weighing almost the same weight as the weight of the total bike without the battery. In this way, the battery is carrying the size of the bike, the rider, as well as the weight of itself. The bigger the battery does not mean the better range.
What the battery makes up in higher AH, it simultaneously looses in the added weight that acts as an opposed counterbalance to distance. What the battery gains in AH power, it equally looses in carrying greater weight load. Moreover, other indirect negative factors of extremely heavy weight batteries includes greater stress and wear/tear on the frame and body of the Ebike, requiring more maintenance and costly repairs. Especially the hub motor usually fails (inside gear breaks) if it carries too much weight for a prolonged period of time. The benefit of added weight is negated by all the other negative consequences that will occur to the bike itself.
Ideal AH 100km
Ideally, an Ebike should possess a battery size between 20Ah to 30Ah . In this measure, the battery size is just small and light enough to allow for the full utilization of the battery’s maximum full potential. The maximum potential the battery can give is not only based on its capacity, but also other factors like its weight, size, and quality. Most consumers say that the “ideal” range for an Ebike is 100km of range. What they often overlook, since it is not their business, is the fact that, an Ebike must also be built in an ergonomic and aerodynamic way that allows for the full utilization of the battery size. The latter is the duty of the brand and manufacturer to figure out.
There are also newer designs of e-bikes that utilize multiple battery packs like 2 or even 3 batteries that can give much longer ranges of 100km and more. Technology is quickly catching up to the idealistic demands of the customer. How to convert the ideality into a reality, is easier said than done. So far, the entire enterprise of EV’s has not found its major success in cars, but the true success of the electric vehicles (in general) is found in electric bicycles.
Although electric cars are accepted as the future of vehicles, at this point in time, they haven’t met the success that can make them considered greater than traditional gas motorized cars. The car sector has even more development to do. However, when it comes to e-bikes, this is where the power of electric vehicles shine, as better e-bikes become over time, the enterprise is only beginning in its infancy stages.
The range of 100km normally can satisfy the basic needs of any man within a day. However, there are still many other factors that contribute to the loss or gain of range generally no matter the AH. These factors are all listed above.
Conclusion
Most buyers are confused because they think that knowing the AH alone will give them an accurate measure of range. However, most of the consumers exceptions are unrealistic and are based on misunderstood (or not understood) aspects of the battery specifications. The ideal measure of range in consumers mind does not that necessarily correspond to the performance of the battery in actuality. What they first assumed they later find out, to their disappointment, is something else. Basic understanding and education can produce accurate expectations and results.
Can this theoretical model be achieved?