"Performance" vs. "Range" battery: What's the difference for the same voltage?
Two batteries with the same voltage can store a comparable amount of energy, but they can behave very differently under full acceleration. An "Endurance" battery prioritizes capacity, using cells designed for energy storage. A "Performance" battery prioritizes current, using cells with a high discharge rate and a Battery Management System (BMS) designed to allow a large amount of current to flow. If your controller is the original one, the "Endurance" battery is sufficient. However, if your controller has been upgraded for more power, or if your battery cuts out under acceleration, then the "Performance" battery is what you need.
The essentials
- The voltage determines the maximum possible speed, the capacity determines the range, and the current determines the actual power available.
- A "Performance" battery utilizes high-discharge cells and a high-current Battery Management System (BMS).
- It eliminates voltage drops and cutouts when the controller demands a lot of power.
- With the original controller and settings, an Autonomy battery performs the same function.
- The selection should be based on the current that your controller requires, not the voltage.
Same voltage, same energy, different behaviors
The voltage of a battery determines how fast the motor can spin. Its capacity, measured in ampere-hours, and its energy, measured in watt-hours, indicate how many kilometers it can travel. However, neither of these figures indicates how quickly the energy can be discharged. This is where the discharge current comes into play, and it depends on:
- Cell type: An "energy" cell stores a lot of power but can only handle a moderate current, while a "power" cell can handle high currents
- "...the number of cells connected in parallel, which share the current;..."
- internal wiring, cables, and connectors;
- and the BMS, which cuts off power when the current exceeds its maximum limit.
These concepts are detailed in our guide read the technical specifications for a lithium cell.
What happens when the power is cut
When the controller demands more power than the battery can comfortably provide, two things happen. First, the voltage drops during acceleration: the set power is not actually available, especially when going uphill or when the battery is low. Second, if the demand exceeds the BMS (Battery Management System) limit, or if a group of cells drops below its low voltage threshold, the battery will abruptly shut down. These two phenomena are explained in our guides explaining why the voltage drops when accelerating and explaining why the battery and BMS shut down during acceleration.
What a Performance battery offers:
Let's take our 72V 40Ah Performance battery for Dualtron Thunder and Thunder 2. It has the same voltage as the original battery, but its Samsung 40T or Molicel P42A cells deliver up to 400A peak, whereas the original battery is limited to 140A. The controller finally receives the current it requests. Other advantages include:
- A Bluetooth-connected BMS that displays the current consumption, state of charge, and temperature of each cell group;
- Manual cell balancing can be performed from the application;
- Compatibility with super chargers, for fast charging.
The trade-off: this pack occupies the entire interior of the Thunder deck, and the controllers must be installed externally. A "Performance" battery also requires more expensive cells. The cells used are compared in Molicel P45B, Samsung 50S, P42A, or 40T.
What a battery offers in terms of range
In terms of battery life, the goal is to store as much energy as possible within a given volume and weight, while maintaining the original current draw. Our replacement batteries retain the original voltage, connectors, and dimensions, and feature branded cells and an integrated Battery Management System (BMS): the scooter regains the battery life and performance of a brand new machine.
The same principle applies to external batteries. Our Autonomie 72V 15Ah external battery prioritizes capacity while keeping the weight down. Our Performance (S) 72V 15Ah external battery delivers the same power with high-discharge cells, which further alleviate the load on the internal battery during high current demands.
| Range | Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| Cells | Brand-specific, focusing on performance capabilities | High discharge |
| Peak current | Compatible with the original controller | Much better than the original |
| BMS (Battery Management System) | Integrated, protected, and balanced | Bluetooth connectivity, high current |
| Ideal usage | Trips, original controller | Rebuilt controller, suitable for sports use, track riding, and heavier riders |
| Fast charging | Depending on the model | Compatible with super chargers |
How to choose?
- Your controller is original, with factory settings: An "Autonomy" or "Replacement" battery will be sufficient. A "Performance" battery would not provide any noticeable improvement, as the controller would not request more current.
- Your controller has been reprogrammed or replaced, and the battery current has been increased: a performance upgrade is now necessary. Otherwise, the original battery will overheat, degrade, and shut down.
- Whether you're riding on a track, using it for sports, or you're a heavier rider on a powerful machine: the Performance maintains a thermal margin and a stable voltage.
- Your original battery is already cutting power during acceleration, when going uphill, or at the end of its charge: first, check if it's nearing the end of its lifespan, then switch to "Performance" mode if the requested current is the cause.
Workshop tip
Think about the battery before the controller. A more powerful controller on an original battery will not deliver the expected power and will stress the battery cells. The logical order for an upgrade is always the battery first, then the motor, and finally the controller. All our options are available in the electric scooter batteries category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a "Performance" battery offer faster speeds?
It's not solely dependent on that. The top speed primarily depends on the voltage, which is the same in both cases. The "Performance" setting allows the controller to deliver the full power that is configured, which you'll feel in acceleration and when climbing hills.
Does a "Performance" battery have less range?
At the same volume, high-discharge cells sometimes store slightly less energy. Newer cells, such as the Molicel P45B, significantly reduce this difference. When comparing cells with the same capacity, the range is comparable.
Can I keep my original charger?
Yes, at the same voltage. To take advantage of fast charging, a suitable supercharger is offered separately.
Does the performance last longer?
Due to high demand, yes, generally speaking: cells that are operating far from their limits generate less heat and age more slowly. With a stock controller, the difference is minimal.