Larger Battery for Sur-Ron or Talaria: Range, Power, and Size
A larger battery on a Sur-Ron or a Talaria offers two distinct advantages: more energy, resulting in greater range, and often a higher discharge current, which translates to more usable power without cutouts. However, it also takes up more space and weighs more, and if its voltage changes, the controller and charger must be compatible. Here's how to weigh these three aspects before making a choice.
The essentials
- The range depends on the amount of energy stored, measured in watt-hours (voltage multiplied by capacity).
- The usable power depends on the current that the cells and the Battery Management System (BMS) can deliver.
- The frame volume is limited: more power often requires more space and adds weight.
- A voltage different from the original requires a compatible controller and charger.
- A battery is made by a professional: you don't assemble lithium cells of this size yourself.
Increased range: Power
The energy of a battery is measured in watt-hours: the nominal voltage multiplied by the capacity in amp-hours. This figure is what allows you to compare two batteries, not just the amp-hours alone. For the same usage, the range increases approximately in the same proportion as the usable energy. Our guide on "the range of an electric motorcycle" provides the method for estimating the actual gain on your route.
More power: the current
When you accelerate quickly, the controller demands a high current from the battery. Two factors limit this:
- The Cells: Each model has a maximum discharge current and internal resistance. "High discharge" cells maintain their voltage better under load and generate less heat. Our guide for reading a cell's datasheet explains these figures.
- The BMS (Battery Management System): This board protects the battery and cuts off power if the current exceeds its threshold. If the controller demands more current than this threshold, the battery will cut out during acceleration, as explained in our guide on batteries that cut out when accelerating.
A "prep" battery combines high-discharge cells with a Battery Management System (BMS) sized appropriately for the controller it will power.
Voltage: A choice that impacts everything else
Increasing the voltage beyond the original setting allows you to achieve more power and higher motor rotation speeds for the same current. However, everything connected to the battery must be able to handle the increased voltage: the controller (with a safety margin for full charge voltage), the converter that powers the lights and display, and the charger, which must be designed for the new voltage. Changing the voltage without verifying these components can damage them.
Size and weight
The battery housing on a Sur-Ron or a Talaria has a fixed volume. To store more energy, you either need cells with a higher energy density or a larger enclosure, which would extend beyond the frame. The weight also increases, and it's positioned high up on the machine, which affects the handling, especially in technical sections.
Our Performance (S) 80V 45Ah battery for Talaria TL3000 and TL4000 exemplifies this compromise. It stores 3600 Wh, uses high-discharge Samsung 50S cells, and features a connected BMS that allows you to monitor the battery's status from a smartphone via Bluetooth; with it, the controller can be adjusted up to 22 kW peak. Its casing is waterproof, with a pressure valve, and it comes with a hood riser because it is taller than the original battery. You can find it in our Talaria Sting batteries category.
The rest needs to be checked
| Point | Why? |
|---|---|
| Full load voltage | The controller and converter must be able to handle this with some headroom |
| BMS current | It must be able to handle the current demanded by the controller |
| Power connector | Designed for the current; a spark-resistant connector provides protection during connection |
| Charger | Designed for the correct voltage and charging connector |
| Dimensions: | Fitting within the frame, cover, and mounting hardware |
| Sealing and protection | Rough terrain, mud, and off-road impacts |
Custom or catalog options
For the Talaria TL3000 and TL4000, a standard battery catalog is available. For a Sur-Ron or other electric motorcycle, we now manufacture custom batteries in our workshops, using branded cells. We choose the voltage and capacity with you, based on the machine and its intended use, as described on our page "The World of Electric Motorcycles". Our guide on custom batteries details the process.
Workshop tip
First, decide what you want: longer range or more power. For increased range alone, keep the original voltage and increase the energy capacity. For more power, choose the battery at the same time as the controller; never one without the other. And never let anyone assemble lithium cells of this size in a garage: a soldering or insulation error can cause a fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a larger battery make the motorcycle faster?
It doesn't work alone. It allows the controller to request more current without interruption, and if its voltage is higher, it increases the possible speed. However, the controller ultimately determines the actual power delivered to the motor.
Can I keep my original charger?
Only if the new battery has the same voltage and the same charging connector. If the voltage changes, you will need a charger specifically designed for that voltage.
Does the extra weight feel noticeable?
Yes, especially in technical sections and jumps. The difference depends on the weight difference between the two battery packs; be sure to ask for the exact weight before purchasing.
Does a larger battery last longer?
Often, yes: for the same journey, each cell works less, and the battery undergoes fewer complete charge cycles. This is provided that the battery is stored and charged correctly.