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How to choose the BMS FOR My TUKTUK Heavy duty Tricycle Battery

Heavy duty truck tricycle

How to Select a BMS / Protection Board

This is  a  real Case from my Nigeria customers . He want to buy 24pcs 100Ah battery to make one pack reuire  me to provide the 24S 200A active Balance 2A BMS . do you think it is a good choice or not ? after communication ,I know he want the pack for his 15pcs KEKE  .then i  ask him to send me the Motor and Controller specification as below 

Tricycle Battery

KEKE MOTOR

How to choose the good BMS for this keke Battery ?

Remember one core rule:

Match the cell type and series quantity first → Calculate current accurately → Ensure 4 basic protection functions → Choose balance & temperature functions by application scenario → Finally check communication protocol and workmanship

Below is the step-by-step detailed explanation 👇
 

1. Confirm Basic Battery Information (Must calculate first)

 

1) Cell Type (The most critical factor)

 
  • NCM Ternary Lithium: Nominal voltage 3.7V per cell; Overcharge: 4.20–4.25V; Over-discharge: 2.5–2.8V
  • LFP Lithium Iron Phosphate: Nominal voltage 3.2V per cell; Overcharge: 3.65–3.70V; Over-discharge: 2.5–2.8V
  • Must use a dedicated BMS for the corresponding battery chemistry. Do not mix use.
 

2) Series Quantity (S) (Determines total voltage & BMS model)

 
  • 12V ≈ 4S (LFP) / 3S (NCM)
  • 24V ≈ 8S / 7S
  • 48V ≈ 16S / 13S
  • 60V ≈ 20S / 16S
  • The BMS must fully match the cell series number (e.g., 16S battery only uses a 16S BMS)
 

3) Capacity (Ah)

 
Decides the balance current and heat dissipation redundancy of the BMS.
 

 

2. How to Choose Current Rating

 

1) Continuous Discharge Current (Core parameter)

 
  • Electric vehicles: ≥ Controller current limit × 1.2
     

    (Example: 20A current limit → choose 25A or above)

  • Energy storage / Inverter: ≥ Inverter power ÷ Minimum battery voltage × 1.2
  • Formula:
 

2) Peak Current

 
Generally select 2 times the continuous current (BMS supports short-time peak load).
 

3) Common Port vs Split Port

 
  • Common Port (2 wires): Charge & discharge share one port, simple wiring, cost-effective; suitable for low current (≤30A)
  • Split Port (3 wires): Separate charge and discharge circuits, better heat dissipation, longer service life; suitable for medium & high power (≥40A)
 

 

3. Protection Functions: 4 Basic Protections Are Mandatory

 
  1. Overcharge Protection: Automatically cut off charging when single cell voltage reaches the threshold
  2. Over-discharge Protection: Automatically stop discharging when voltage drops below the limit
  3. Over-current Protection: Fast cut-off within ≤200ms once current exceeds the set value
  4. Short Circuit Protection: Instant cut-off (microsecond level) to prevent fire
 

Additional Essential Functions (Power Battery & Energy Storage)

 
  • Temperature Protection: Charging range 0–45℃, Discharging range -20–60℃; system shuts down when overheating
  • Cell Balancing (Crucial for battery lifespan)
    • Passive Balancing: Low current (30–100mA), low cost; for small capacity batteries (≤20Ah) with small voltage difference
    • Active Balancing: High current (≥1A), high efficiency; for large capacity batteries (≥50Ah), large voltage difference & long lifespan requirements; controls voltage difference within 10–20mV and extends battery life by over 20%
     
 

 

4. Model Selection by Application Scenario

 

1) Low Current (≤30A): Power Tools / Light E-scooters / 12V Energy Storage

 
  • Type: Common port, hardware BMS, passive balancing
  • Series: 4S / 8S / 13S / 16S
  • Current: 20A / 30A
  •  
 

2) Medium Current (40–100A): E-motorbikes / Tricycles / 48V Energy Storage

 
  • Type: Split port, hardware & software combined, active balancing (for ≥50Ah)
  • Series: 13S / 16S / 20S
  • Current: 60A / 80A / 100A
  •  
 

3) High Current (≥150A): Electric Vehicles / High-power Energy Storage

 
  • Type: Split port, smart BMS, ≥1A active balancing, CAN communication
  • Series: 16S–24S
  • Current: 150A / 200A / 300A
  •  
 

 

5. Common Mistakes & Avoidance Tips for Beginners

 
  1. ❌ Wrong series BMS (e.g., 16S battery with 13S BMS) → Permanent battery damage
  2. ❌ Underrated current → Frequent protection triggering, overheating, burnt board
  3. ❌ Mix NCM & LFP BMS → Abnormal overcharge/over-discharge, battery bulging & fire hazard
  4. ❌ Only focus on low price ignoring workmanship → Falsified specs & failed protection
 

6. Quick Selection Template (Direct Application)

 
Our Curent Case: 72V 100Ah LFP 24S E-KEKE, controller current limit 55A
 
  • Cell type: LFP → Choose dedicated LFP BMS
  • Series quantity: 24S → Adopt 24S BMS
  • Current: 55A×1.2=66A → Select 80-100A split port BMS
  • Balancing: 80Ah → 0.8A-2A Active Balance is sufficient
  • Temperature: Mandatory charge & discharge temperature protection
  • Communication: Optional Bluetooth APP (monitor voltage / current / temperature)

 

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