Electric bicycles, e-scooters, electric motorcycles and electric tricycles usually run on 48V, 60V or 72V lead-acid battery systems. For importers, distributors and fleet buyers, these systems are not bought as one “48V battery”: they are built from individual 12V batteries connected in series. This guide explains how a set is specified, which Tianneng and Chilwee models are commonly used, and what information CANEN ELEC needs to quote a bulk order. CANEN ELEC is a China-based supplier of original Tianneng and Chilwee batteries to importers, distributors and wholesale buyers.
Quick answer: how many 12V batteries per set
| System voltage | 12V batteries in series | Example with a 12V 20Ah model | Set capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48V | 4 | 4 × Tianneng 6-DZF-20.3 or 4 × Chilwee 6-DZF-20 | 48V 20.3Ah / 48V 20Ah |
| 60V | 5 | 5 × 12V 20Ah batteries | 60V 20Ah |
| 72V | 6 | 6 × 12V 20Ah batteries | 72V 20Ah |
In a series connection the voltages add up, while the capacity (Ah) stays the same as one battery. A 48V 20Ah set therefore uses four 12V 20Ah batteries, not one 48V unit, and a 72V 20Ah set uses six.
The same series logic applies to 6V batteries: the Chilwee 3-EVF-200A is a 6V 200Ah model, so a 48V string built from it needs eight units. High-capacity models like this are used in electric tricycles and four-wheel electric vehicles. The final set design always depends on the vehicle’s controller, charger and battery compartment.
Which models are used for common set sizes
- 20Ah sets (48V, 60V, 72V): Tianneng 6-DZF-20.3 (12V 20.3Ah; Tianneng lists its TNE series for electric two-wheelers, e-scooters and electric tricycles) and Chilwee 6-DZF-20 (12V 20Ah).
- Around 12Ah: Tianneng 6-DZF-12.3 (12V 12.3Ah) and Chilwee 6-DZF-12 (12V 12Ah).
- 22–23Ah: Tianneng 6-DZF-22.3 (12V 22.3Ah) and Chilwee 6-DZF-23 (12V 23Ah).
- Higher capacity for electric tricycles and four-wheel EVs: Chilwee EVF models such as Chilwee 6-EVF-58 (12V 58Ah), Chilwee 6-EVF-100A (12V 100Ah) and Chilwee 6-EVF-150A (12V 150Ah).
The full list of confirmed models is on the All Battery Models page, and typical vehicle types are summarised on the Battery Applications page. Battery-to-vehicle matching is confirmed per order.
Build every set from one brand and one model
Batteries in a series set carry the same current, so a weaker battery limits the whole set. When you order, specify one brand and one model for each set rather than mixing brands, capacities or models in the same string. If you distribute several set sizes, for example 48V and 72V, list the quantity for each so the order can be planned by model.
How the batteries are packed and supplied
CANEN ELEC supplies the batteries as individual 12V units, not as pre-wired packs. For common 12V battery systems, a 48V set uses 4 batteries packed per carton, a 60V set uses 5, and a 72V set uses 6. The batteries are not electrically connected before shipment.
Orders are quoted for pallet and container-load quantities. Smaller trial orders may be available on request.
Documents for shipping battery sets
Export and transport documentation, including applicable MSDS and transport-related documents, is provided according to the specific model and order. Available files are listed by brand and model in the Download Center. Where a dangerous goods declaration is required, it is prepared by your freight forwarder.
What to include in your RFQ
- Vehicle type: electric bicycle, e-scooter, electric motorcycle, electric tricycle or another low-speed EV
- System voltage (48V, 60V or 72V) and required capacity (Ah)
- Preferred brand and model, if known, for example Tianneng 6-DZF-20.3 or Chilwee 6-DZF-20
- Number of sets, or total number of batteries, per model
- Destination country and port
- Documents required for your market and shipping route
Send your battery set requirements to CANEN ELEC and we will confirm the matching models and the quotation.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 48V lead-acid battery one battery or several?
It is normally four 12V batteries connected in series. The set voltage is 48V and the capacity equals that of one battery, for example 48V 20Ah from four 12V 20Ah batteries.
How many batteries does a 72V 20Ah set need?
Six 12V 20Ah batteries in series. A 60V 20Ah set needs five.
Can I mix Tianneng and Chilwee batteries in one set?
We recommend one brand and one model within each set, because a weaker battery limits the whole series string.
Are the sets delivered pre-wired?
No. The batteries are supplied as individual 12V units and are not pre-wired or assembled into a pack. A 48V set is packed 4 per carton, a 60V set 5 per carton, and a 72V set 6 per carton.
Which documents come with the order?
Applicable MSDS and transport-related documents are provided according to the specific model and order. The dangerous goods declaration, where required, is prepared by the freight forwarder.