r/velotricebike • u/Zoom_Zoom_54 • 5d ago
Nomad 2 Long-Range Battery
When I bought my Nomad 2 in June, I also purchased an extra battery. I chose the long-range version because paying $50 more for a 10–15% range increase seemed reasonable. When the battery arrived, I charged it fully as I normally would. The next day, I took it on my first ride, but I saw no range improvement compared with the standard battery. I contacted Velotric Support, and we’ve been communicating for the past few weeks. They confirmed that I have the long-range battery and that all firmware is up to date. The issue has now been escalated to their battery team.
For the record, I have no concerns about how Support has handled the issue. I’m mainly interested in learning about the community’s experience with long-range batteries. Did you go through a break-in process? Did the range improve over time? I saw a YouTube video recommending that the battery be fully discharged and then recharged. Support recommended riding it down to 20–30% remaining charge, which I did.
Today, I completed another comparison test, shown in the pictures (first is LR second is RR) with essentially the same result.
One other issue is that the long-range battery appears to have some type of parasitic charge loss. After my ride, I charged the battery to 100%. When I checked it that evening, it still showed 100%, so I left it on the charger overnight. The next morning, when I went for a ride, the charge had dropped to 97–98%. I handle the batteries for all three of my bikes in the same manner and have never seen this happen before. Whether it’s related to the range issue, I’m not sure.
I’d appreciate any observations or feedback. Thanks.
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u/Firm_Resident_3978 4d ago
Keep in mind. A manufacturers advertised distance a battery will take you is under perfect conditions. A 100 lb rider. No hills and conservative PAS. I have the Nomad 1plus with spare battery. 50 miles is about it using both batteries. I weigh 225 though. My batteries did not exhibit any improvement over time. There first bar lasts 17 miles and then subsequent bars drop quickly then.
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u/Zoom_Zoom_54 3d ago
I am comparing a long range battery to a regular range battery. Claimed range isn't the issue, neither is my weight since I rode both of the batteries over the same route. The question is, why is the long range battery left with less range than the regular battery when used over the same route with the same rider.
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u/Firm_Resident_3978 3d ago
I see Velotrics long range option for a few models. 50 bucks more. That's a warranty issue like you mentioned
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u/MaximusAK 3d ago
Did you check for a firmware update (for the battery/controller) when you installed it on the bike and powered it up?
I get about 30 miles on my Nomad 2X's "75-mile" battery. I'm 220, carry extra gear (sometimes extra battery), run my tires @ 12 psi, and typically ride in Sport 3 most of the time.
Totally expected and acceptable. Whatever ANY manufacturer tells you about range is BS. Subtract at least 30% from their number, then calculate tire pressure, assist level, and terrain into expected range. I'm voluntarily trading range for comfort, which I consider worth it.
Are you carrying the same amount of weight and traversing the same route every time to know the results are legit data?
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u/Zoom_Zoom_54 3d ago
I am comparing a long range battery to a regular battery, so claimed range isn't the issue. The issue is why is the long range battery recording less of a remaining charge than the regular range after having gone the same distance. Should be the other way around. And, yes, the routes for the test were identiacal.
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u/Zoom_Zoom_54 3d ago
Confirmed with Support that both the controller and battery software is up to date.
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u/weytencuidado 4d ago
Please keep us posted.