Cycle life refers to how many full charge–discharge cycles a battery can complete before its capacity drops to a defined threshold, usually 70–80% of its original capacity.
Typical specifications include:
500 cycles @ 80% DOD
800 cycles @ 100% DOD
1500 cycles @ 1C
In simple terms:
More cycles = Longer battery lifespan = Lower total cost for your business.
Different factories use different testing standards, which is why the same battery model may show different cycle life numbers.
Charge with standard current (0.5C) to 4.2V / 3.65V
Discharge with standard current (0.5C) to the cutoff voltage
Repeat the cycle continuously
Record the capacity decay curve until it drops to 80%
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Discharge Rate (C-Rate) | Higher current = faster aging |
| Depth of Discharge (DOD) | Deeper discharge = shorter lifespan |
| Temperature | High temp accelerates aging |
| BMS accuracy | High-precision BMS extends life |
| Cell grade (A / B / C) | Determines stability & consistency |
Cycle life numbers are only comparable when test conditions are the same.
| Cell Chemistry | Typical Cycle Life | Features |
|---|---|---|
| NCM / NCA (Li-ion) | 500–800 cycles | High energy density, moderate lifespan |
| LFP (LiFePO4) | 1500–3000 cycles | Long lifespan & high safety |
| High-Rate Power Cells | 300–600 cycles | Built for power output, not long life |
| Energy-Storage Cells | 2000–6000 cycles | Very long life, low discharge rate |
A short-lifespan battery means high return rates and higher replacement cost.
End users complain most about battery degradation; longer life = fewer issues.
Even if LFP costs more upfront, its lifespan is often 2–3× longer than NCM.
Example:
EVE 29E
Samsung 35E
Lishen LR2170
CATL LF105
Official datasheets clearly list cycle life under standard conditions.
A valid report must include:
Temperature
Charge/Discharge current
DOD (Depth of Discharge)
Capacity retention curve
No curve = data not trustworthy.
Professional factories provide:
Voltage consistency
Internal resistance consistency
Capacity consistency
Better consistency → more stable cycle life.
Ultra-cheap “500-cycle NCM” packs usually use downgraded cells (B-grade/C-grade), true lifespan often < 300 cycles.
| Application | Recommended Cell Type | Required Cycle Life |
|---|---|---|
| E-bike / E-scooter | NCM / LFP | ≥500 cycles |
| Delivery / Commuting E-bike | LFP | ≥1500 cycles |
| Shared Scooters / Fleets | LFP | ≥2000 cycles |
| High-Power Motorcycles | High-rate NCM | ≥500 cycles |
| Home / Industrial Storage | LFP (Energy Storage Type) | ≥3000–6000 cycles |
Choose according to your business model — not marketing numbers.
Cycle life refers to how many full charge–discharge cycles a battery can complete before its capacity drops to a defined threshold, usually 70–80% of its original capacity.
Typical specifications include:
500 cycles @ 80% DOD
800 cycles @ 100% DOD
1500 cycles @ 1C
In simple terms:
More cycles = Longer battery lifespan = Lower total cost for your business.
Different factories use different testing standards, which is why the same battery model may show different cycle life numbers.
Charge with standard current (0.5C) to 4.2V / 3.65V
Discharge with standard current (0.5C) to the cutoff voltage
Repeat the cycle continuously
Record the capacity decay curve until it drops to 80%
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Discharge Rate (C-Rate) | Higher current = faster aging |
| Depth of Discharge (DOD) | Deeper discharge = shorter lifespan |
| Temperature | High temp accelerates aging |
| BMS accuracy | High-precision BMS extends life |
| Cell grade (A / B / C) | Determines stability & consistency |
Cycle life numbers are only comparable when test conditions are the same.
| Cell Chemistry | Typical Cycle Life | Features |
|---|---|---|
| NCM / NCA (Li-ion) | 500–800 cycles | High energy density, moderate lifespan |
| LFP (LiFePO4) | 1500–3000 cycles | Long lifespan & high safety |
| High-Rate Power Cells | 300–600 cycles | Built for power output, not long life |
| Energy-Storage Cells | 2000–6000 cycles | Very long life, low discharge rate |
A short-lifespan battery means high return rates and higher replacement cost.
End users complain most about battery degradation; longer life = fewer issues.
Even if LFP costs more upfront, its lifespan is often 2–3× longer than NCM.
Example:
EVE 29E
Samsung 35E
Lishen LR2170
CATL LF105
Official datasheets clearly list cycle life under standard conditions.
A valid report must include:
Temperature
Charge/Discharge current
DOD (Depth of Discharge)
Capacity retention curve
No curve = data not trustworthy.
Professional factories provide:
Voltage consistency
Internal resistance consistency
Capacity consistency
Better consistency → more stable cycle life.
Ultra-cheap “500-cycle NCM” packs usually use downgraded cells (B-grade/C-grade), true lifespan often < 300 cycles.
| Application | Recommended Cell Type | Required Cycle Life |
|---|---|---|
| E-bike / E-scooter | NCM / LFP | ≥500 cycles |
| Delivery / Commuting E-bike | LFP | ≥1500 cycles |
| Shared Scooters / Fleets | LFP | ≥2000 cycles |
| High-Power Motorcycles | High-rate NCM | ≥500 cycles |
| Home / Industrial Storage | LFP (Energy Storage Type) | ≥3000–6000 cycles |
Choose according to your business model — not marketing numbers.
