Choosing the Optimal Electric Vehicle Battery: Ah vs V

Choosing the Optimal Electric Vehicle Battery: Ah vs V

When it comes to purchasing or upgrading to a new electric vehicle (EV) battery, a common dilemma faced by many users is whether a battery with a higher Ah (ampere-hour) rating or a higher V (voltage) rating is better. Which one provides a higher value for money? My answer is that a higher Ah rating is generally better, and it tends to offer a higher cost-effectiveness. This can be analyzed from three key aspects:

1. Range

Firstly, considering the range, let's compare a 60V32Ah battery with a 72V20Ah battery and a 48V32Ah battery with a 60V20Ah battery. With a 60V32Ah battery, when the motor is rated between 600W to 1000W, the typical range can exceed 100 kilometers. However, if a 72V20Ah battery is used instead, with the motor remaining unchanged, the range would only be between 70 to 80 kilometers. Similarly, a 48V32Ah battery, with a motor rating of 350-400W, generally offers a range of about 100 kilometers, whereas a 60V20Ah battery would provide a range of only 60 to 80 kilometers. From this comparison, it's evident that a higher Ah rating usually translates to a longer range, which is more advantageous.

2. Durability

Secondly, regarding durability, the same battery configurations are considered. A 60V32Ah or 48V32Ah battery, with a range over 100 kilometers, would typically require charging only once every 5 to 7 days if ridden about 15 kilometers per day. In contrast, a 72V20Ah or 60V20Ah battery, with an overall range of 70 to 80 kilometers, would need to be charged every 3 to 5 days. This implies that the higher V batteries age faster and are less durable compared to the higher Ah batteries.

3. Price

Lastly, addressing the most common concern—price—the same battery examples are used for comparison. The direct purchase price for a 60V32Ah battery is around 1200 yuan, while for a 72V20Ah battery, it's around 900 yuan, indicating that the 60V32Ah battery is about 300 yuan more expensive. Similarly, a 48V32Ah battery costs around 950 yuan, and a 60V20Ah battery is about 700 yuan, showing a price difference of approximately 250 yuan. This demonstrates that while batteries with a higher Ah rating are generally more expensive, the price difference is usually acceptable at around 250 to 300 yuan.

In conclusion, taking into account range, durability, and price, opting for a battery with a higher Ah rating is a better choice, as it offers a higher overall value for money.

Please note that the prices mentioned are for illustrative purposes and may vary based on the market and the specific models of the batteries.