How many hours can a 100Ah battery last?
A 100Ah battery’s runtime depends on the connected load and system voltage. For example, a 60V 100Ah lithium battery stores 6kWh (60V × 100Ah). At a 2kW load (common for mid-sized EVs), it lasts approximately 3 hours under ideal conditions. Real-world factors like motor efficiency (typically 85–90%), terrain, and ambient temperature reduce this to 2–2.5 hours in practical EV applications.
What determines a 100Ah battery’s runtime?
Runtime equals energy capacity (Wh) divided by power draw (W). A 12V 100Ah battery (1.2kWh) powering a 100W fridge runs ~12 hours. In EVs, voltage matters—higher voltages like 60V reduce current draw, minimizing energy loss through wiring.
Battery voltage dictates total energy: 48V×100Ah=4.8kWh vs. 72V×100Ah=7.2kWh. Pro Tip: Always derate capacity by 20% for depth-of-discharge limits and aging. For instance, a 60V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery realistically delivers 4.8kWh (6kWh × 80% DoD) before needing recharge.
How does load affect 100Ah battery duration?
Load power directly dictates consumption rates. A 60V 100Ah battery lasts:
| Load | Power | Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| LED Lights | 60W | 100 hrs |
| E-Scooter | 1.2kW | 5 hrs |
| EV Air Conditioning | 3kW | 2 hrs |
However, inverter inefficiencies (5–15% loss) and peak loads reduce actual availability. Why does this matter? A 3kW motor drawing surge currents might trip BMS protections prematurely.
RackBattery Expert Insight
FAQs
No—system voltage determines compatibility. A 12V 100Ah battery can’t replace 24V units without reconfiguring the entire power architecture.
How does temperature impact runtime?
Below 0°C, lithium batteries lose 20–30% capacity temporarily. Prolonged >45°C exposure accelerates degradation by 3×.