Most ebike builders use one of these proven layouts. Simulate any of them in CellBench to see real-world performance.
13S4P Samsung 30Q
Voltage: 47V nominal
Capacity: 12Ah / 562Wh
The classic commuter setup. Good range for 15-25 mile rides with a mid-drive motor.
14S5P Samsung 50E
Voltage: 50V nominal
Capacity: 25Ah / 1260Wh
Maximum range for touring. 21700 cells for high energy density. Expect 50+ miles per charge.
14S4P Molicel P42A
Voltage: 50V nominal
Capacity: 16.8Ah / 847Wh
For powerful hub or mid-drive setups. P42A handles 45A continuous per cell -- plenty for hill climbing.
13S5P Samsung 25R
Voltage: 47V nominal
Capacity: 12.5Ah / 585Wh
Affordable and proven. The 25R is a workhorse cell with solid cycle life at moderate discharge rates.
13S4P LG HG2
Voltage: 47V nominal
Capacity: 12Ah / 562Wh
Good middle ground between the 30Q and 25R. 20A continuous rating handles most ebike loads.
14S4P Samsung 40T
Voltage: 50V nominal
Capacity: 16Ah / 806Wh
High current capability in a 21700 format. Great for powerful motors that draw 30A+ peaks.
Datasheet specs don't tell you how much voltage drops at 20A on a steep hill. CellBench simulates actual discharge curves so you know exactly what your motor controller will see.
More parallel groups mean more range but also more weight. Compare 4P vs 5P vs 6P configurations to find the sweet spot for your frame and riding style.
Is the Samsung 50E worth the extra cost over the 30Q for your use case? Run both through the simulator at your typical riding current and see the difference in runtime.
A 20Ah pack sounds great until you realize you only need 10Ah for your commute. Simulate your actual usage pattern and save money on cells you don't need.
These are the most popular and proven cells for ebike battery builds.
3000mAh / 15A
The gold standard for ebike builds. Great balance of capacity, current, and price.
4200mAh / 45A
Premium 21700 cell with extreme current handling. Perfect for high-power mid-drives.
5000mAh / 9.8A
Maximum energy density for long-range touring. Lower current rating suits moderate power setups.
A 48V ebike battery uses a 13S configuration (13 cells in series) for about 47V nominal -- '48V' is the conventional class name. For a 52V battery, use 14S (about 50V nominal). The number of parallel groups (P count) determines your capacity and range -- 4P to 6P is typical for commuter ebikes.
The Samsung 30Q (3000mAh, 15A) is the most popular choice for balanced range and power. For higher power demands, the Molicel P42A (4200mAh, 45A, 21700) offers excellent performance. The Samsung 50E (5000mAh, 21700) is ideal if range is your priority over burst power.
Battery range depends on pack capacity (Wh), motor efficiency, rider weight, terrain, and speed. A rough estimate: Range (miles) = Pack Wh / 20 for moderate riding. CellBench simulates actual discharge curves at your expected current draw, giving you a more accurate runtime estimate than simple Wh calculations.
21700 cells like the Molicel P42A or Samsung 50E offer higher capacity per cell, meaning fewer parallel groups for the same capacity. This simplifies the build and reduces connection points. 18650 cells like the Samsung 30Q are cheaper and more widely available. Use CellBench to compare both configurations side-by-side.