What is the Difference Between a 51.2v and 72v Battery?

The difference between a 51.2V and a 72V battery primarily lies in their voltage, which affects several aspects of performance and application.

Voltage

51.2V Battery: Lower voltage, which is typically used for applications that require less power. This might be found in smaller electric vehicles, energy storage systems, or lower-power tools and appliances.

72V Battery: Higher voltage, providing more power for applications that demand greater performance, such as high-performance electric vehicles, heavy-duty power tools, or larger energy storage systems.

Power Output

Higher voltage generally allows for greater power output (measured in watts) because power is the product of voltage and current (P = V × I). A 72V battery can deliver more power than a 51.2V battery for the same current level, making it more suitable for high-power applications.

Efficiency

Higher voltage systems can be more efficient in terms of energy transfer, particularly over longer distances, because they can deliver the same amount of power with lower current, reducing energy losses due to resistance in the wires.

Application

51.2V Battery: Common in mid-range electric vehicles (e-bikes, scooters), home solar energy storage systems, and other medium-power applications.

72V Battery: Typically used in high-performance electric vehicles (like certain electric motorcycles or cars), industrial applications, or larger energy storage systems where high power and efficiency are crucial.

Size and Weight

Generally, a 72V battery might be larger and heavier than a 51.2V battery if they are designed to store the same amount of energy (measured in watt-hours), due to the need for more cells to achieve the higher voltage.

Cost

Higher voltage batteries tend to be more expensive due to the increased complexity in design and the need for more or higher-quality components to safely handle the higher voltage.

In summary, the choice between a 51.2V and a 72V battery depends on the specific power needs and application. Higher voltage batteries (72V) are better suited for applications that require more power and efficiency, while 51.2V batteries are suitable for more moderate power demands.  All of our NEVO Electric Vehicles come standard with 72V Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries.