How To Estimate The Range Of An Ebike?

How To Estimate The Range Of An Ebike?

1. Calculate the Battery Capacity in Watt-Hours (Wh):

The capacity of an eBike battery is usually given in ampere-hours (Ah) and voltage (V). To calculate its energy storage in watt-hours (Wh), use this formula:

Capacity:

Capacity (Wh)=Voltage (V)×Ampere-Hours (Ah)

 

Let’s take our Dalat V1 EBike as an example, the battery specs are:

  • Voltage = 48 V
  • Ampere-Hours = 15 Ah

Capacity (Wh)=48V×15Ah=720Wh which means the battery has 720 watt-hours of energy.


2. Estimate the Range:

To estimate the range, you need to consider the following factors:

a. Energy Consumption (Wh per mile or kilometer):

The energy consumption depends on various factors like rider weight, terrain, speed, pedal assistance, wind resistance, and tire efficiency. For typical eBikes:

  • Energy consumption ranges from 9 Wh/km for efficient riding to 25 Wh/km for higher speeds or tougher terrain.

b. Formula for Range:

Range (km)= ​ Range (km )= Energy Consumption (Wh/km) / Battery Capacity (Wh)​

 

3. Calculating Estimated Range for A Pedal Assist Electric Bike

 3.1 Battery Usage by Pedal Assist Modes

To be more specific, we will take Dalat V1 ebike with a 720 Wh battery as an example:

  • Mode 1 (Eco): ~9 Wh/km
  • Mode 2: ~12 Wh/km
  • Mode 3: ~15 Wh/km
  • Mode 4: ~20 Wh/km
  • Mode 5 (Power): ~25+ Wh/km

This means:

  • Mode 1 is ideal for long-range riding.
  • Higher modes (4-5) should be limited to short bursts, like climbing steep hills or overtaking.

 3.2 Efficient Riding Plan for 80 km Range

  1. Use Pedal Assist Mode 1 as the Default:
    • Energy consumption in Mode 1 is ~9 Wh/km.
    • Riding in this mode consistently can achieve the desired range of 80 km.
  2. Switch to Mode 2 Sparingly:
    • On slightly tougher terrain or mild inclines, use Mode 2 briefly.
    • Be cautious, as Mode 2 consumes ~12 Wh/km and reduces the range if used excessively.
  3. Minimize Use of Modes 3-5:
    • Avoid Modes 4 and 5 unless absolutely necessary (e.g., climbing a steep hill or accelerating in traffic).
    • These modes consume significant power (~20-25+ Wh/km), drastically reducing range.
  4. Balance Pedal Power:
    • Actively pedal in all modes to reduce motor load.
    • The more you pedal, the less energy the motor consumes.

 3.3 Key Tips for Riding with Modes:

  1. Stick to Mode 1 for flats and downhills.
  2. Use Mode 2 for moderate inclines.
  3. Reserve Modes 3-5 for steep climbs or quick acceleration.
  4. Actively pedal, especially in higher modes, to extend the battery life.

By carefully managing the pedal assist modes as outlined, you can maximize efficiency and achieve the 80 km range.

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